Posted on 03/07/2006 9:06:02 PM PST by Aussie Dasher
POLICE are locking down parts of Melbourne as part of Commonwealth Games security preparations, with a week still to go before the opening ceremony.
Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Christine Nixon said security for the Games was now in full swing, with venues locked down following security sweeps in preparation for the opening next Wednesday.
Police will evaluate security at the MCG later this week when they begin using airport-style screening to check spectators entering two dress rehearsals for the Games opening ceremony.
In the largest security operation ever seen in Australia, more than 2500 military personnel will join Victoria's 13,000 police, other law enforcement agencies, and private security guards to protect the Games.
Airport-style metal detectors and X-ray equipment, tested at AFL matches last year, will be used throughout the Games and will be tested at opening ceremony rehearsals at the MCG on Friday and Monday.
Police and venue operators have new powers to search patrons and compel them to empty bags and remove jackets and other clothing.
During the Games, military personnel will examine vehicles in and around venues. Exclusion zones will be established around venues, and Black Hawk helicopters, fighter jets and naval ships will be on standby.
"We are now moving into the full operational mode along with our partners in the military and in the security agencies, and obviously the volunteers and others in the Games," Ms Nixon told reporters today.
"We're now at a point, we believe, where we are ready.
"We're just in the final details, but venues are being shut down after having been searched.
"The security is coming into place and we are capable of handling this, and if something was to happen, something unforeseen, then we are also well placed with our emergency services partners to deal with it."
The first two of 10 mobile police stations, small chassis vans with up to three police and fitted with mobile data terminals, police radios, other communications and operations equipment and interview space, will be set up around Melbourne's central sports precinct during the Games.
The area, by the Yarra River, includes the MCG, the Rod Laver Arena and the Vodafone Arena.
And as a raft of road closures began today, Ms Nixon warned Games spectators to be patient and to use public transport.
"They need to understand two things. There will be a lot of traffic around. There will be a lot of Games lanes that are being used and they are now out there," she said.
"As well, coming into these venues there will be tough security, so we hope that people won't bring a lot of things with them. It will be much quicker for them.
"And if they are coming to the opening ceremony, they need to come early."
Yeah if you look Middle Eastern you are so screw AD DAMNNN this worst security than Super Bowl LOL!
We wish our mates well. Seems like they are ready for the filthy moose cowards.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.