Security for land and sea set at sailing site
With the 2008 Olympic sailing competition on the horizon, security measures are in full swing in Qingdao to ensure a safe and peaceful event.
"Our security system is constantly improving," said Qiu Shaobo, deputy director of the Security Department of Qingdao Olympic Sailing Committee. "And we will make sure of a foolproof Olympic event."
In strict compliance with the general security regulations stipulated by the Beijing Organizing Committee of the Olympic Games (BOCOG), security equipment of all venues has already been put into trial operation.
The system proved satisfactory during international sailing regattas held in the past two years and won praise from foreign athletes and officials.
The Olympic sailing center (OSC) has been equipped with a security system to check all people and vehicles that enter the venue. To ensure comprehensive coverage, hundreds of security cameras have been installed inside the center as well as its surrounding areas.
Nearly 1,000 such cameras connected to a video monitoring network at Qingdao's police head office have been set up across the city to monitor key areas round the clock.
An underwater surveillance system has even been installed in the OSC's harbor, which is protected from the open ocean with buoys. Only competing boats are allowed to pass through the cordon.
Various departments, including the maritime police and fishing authorities have been strengthening cooperation to establish a rigorous security network on the water.
To meet standards from the International Sailing Federation (ISAF), the Qingdao government has purchased a new type of motorboat to guard competition areas.
Advanced equipment, including detectors, radar and global positioning systems, has been installed on ships to improve the maritime police's ability to handle an emergency. Sea police vessels will be stationed to watch the OSC.
To strengthen the security force, 70 police patrol cars and special-purpose military vehicles have been supplied to special and armed police. The city's security force has been trained and tested in more than 40 drills in actual combat.
To facilitate transportation during the Games, traffic control around the OSC will be enforced during the competition in August. Motorcycle traffic police will guide the way for athletes and journalists.
(China Daily 04/09/2008 page24)
