Olympic security crisis forces police to shun G4S in covering Hampden games

The crisis surrounding Olympic security firm G4S has resulted in Strathclyde Police taking over football matches at Hampden.

Originally the under-fire security provider was scheduled to provide guards for the eight games held in Glasgow as part of London 2012.

However, on Friday the police confirmed they were now taking charge of security at Hampden and would work alongside some G4S staff at the football matches that start on July 25.

STV understands what prompted the police to take over from G4S was when one of 12 duty managers overseeing the security for Hampden left their post this week.

The decision to significantly reduce G4S’s involvement in Glasgow comes after Strathclyde Police held discussions with the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (Locog).

In a statement, the force said: "Chief Constable Stephen House has decided that Strathclyde Police will assume primary responsibility for security at Olympic venues.

"Strathclyde Police continues to work closely with Locog and is absolutely committed to delivering a safe and secure games for competitors, spectators and everyone living in the Force area. Extra officers will be deployed to these operations, however, this will have no impact on the level of service in our communities. At this time we do not anticipate that there will be any need for military involvement.

"Discussions are under way with the convenor of Strathclyde Police Authority, Councillor Philip Braat, the Scottish Government and the National Olympic Security Co-Ordinator to make sure that all additional costs incurred will be fully reimbursed."

Previously G4S admitted that it will not have enough personnel trained and in place for the start of the 2012 Games on July 27.

In response, the UK Government has drafted in 3500 Ministry of Defence staff to help secure the major event, while Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon last week said she had sought reassurances from Home Secretary Theresa May over the supply of security staff at the football matches to be held at Hampden between July 25 and August 3.

Labour MP for Glasgow East Margaret Curran said: "Given G4S's significant failures, this is a sensible decision. The priority must be the safety of athletes and audiences, but it is critical that this does not impact on Strathclyde Police's ability to deal with other emergencies and ongoing operations.

"The costs should be recouped from the Home Office or, preferably, G4S itself. It's essential that no more contracts are awarded to G4S until a full review of this fiasco is carried out."

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