Security at the Paris 2024 Olympics is a massive undertaking, and it is handled by thousands of professionals. With more than 13.5 million expected visitors, France is taking every precaution possible to ensure the athletes and spectators are protected. Here’s everything to know about security at the Paris 2024 Olympics, the common threats, and how they’re being handled.
The Main Risks and Threats for Security at the Paris 2024 Olympics
As a major global event, the Paris 2024 Olympics attracts significant attention and presents unique security challenges. With more than 13.5 million expected visitors, handling security and protection on such a large scale is an extremely complex process. These are just some of the main security risks and threats that security officials, agents, and personnel are preparing for.
Terrorism
Foremost among the concerns are potential Islamist terrorist threats. Recent history underscores the vulnerability of sporting and cultural events in Europe and Russia, with reported failed attempts heightening the risk during the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Following the Crocus City Hall attack in Moscow on March 22, claimed by an Islamic State faction, the French government elevated its terrorism threat level to its highest category.
This escalation allows for temporarily deploying up to 7,000 troops for domestic security duties. Given upcoming events such as the Tour de France (June 29 – July 21), maintaining this heightened state is likely.
Security protocols, extensively deployed at Olympic venues, may compel individuals or small groups intent on disruption to target peripheral sites like fan zones, queues, hotels, restaurants, and transport hubs.
Mitigating lone-wolf threats remains a priority, with Operation Sentinelle deploying nearly 20,000 troops. Recent arrests underline ongoing vigilance, with authorities collaborating closely internationally to preempt potential incidents.
Cyberthreats
The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict has heightened concerns about cyber threats targeting critical infrastructure, public and private entities, and assets linked to the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Deniable sabotage, including potential targets such as railway lines, airports, optic fibers, the power grid, and emergency services, underscores the severity of the risk.
The recent Sports Arbitration Tribunal’s dismissal of Russia’s appeal against its Olympic suspension likely intensifies the focus on state-aligned cyber threat actors and individuals seeking to perpetrate cyberattacks. The Paris Olympic Games’ Organizing Committee estimates that cyberattacks during the event could surge to levels ten times higher than seen in previous Olympic Games.
In response, French authorities are implementing robust security measures. Approximately 35,000 police officers and gendarmes, supported by 18,000 military personnel and 2,000 international police officers, will be deployed to safeguard the event.
Collaboration with cybersecurity experts is pivotal to fortifying defenses against cyber threats and potential disruptions. Threats range from espionage and disruptive operations to financially motivated attacks and misinformation campaigns.
Heightened vigilance is essential as cybercriminals and state-sponsored actors may target sensitive data, critical infrastructure, and operational continuity. Reports of increased cyber incidents, such as phishing and scams, underscore the need for enhanced measures to safeguard information and networks leading up to and during the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Protests and Demonstrations
Protests are common in Paris, and authorities anticipate demonstrations related to political issues, social causes, and the Paris 2024 Olympics themselves. Designated protest areas have been established to minimize disruption, but the risk of travel and event access disruption remains high.
Various interest groups, including anti-Olympic collectives, environmental activists, anti-establishment groups, and trade unions, have expressed intent to disrupt the Games. One anti-Olympic collective has called for activists to volunteer for Paris 2024 and then disrupt the event by not showing up, striking, or staging unannounced protests. In response, French authorities have initiated a vetting process for volunteers to reduce this risk.
Environmental and Health Risks
As the Paris 2024 Olympic Games approach, environmental and health challenges are key concerns. Despite Paris having a temperate climate, several potential environmental risks need to be addressed, including heat waves, air quality issues, and water pollution. Additionally, authorities are closely monitoring health threats such as COVID-19 and dengue fever, and recent reports of rising pertussis cases underline the importance of vaccination and vigilance.
Security at the Paris 2024 Olympics for the Opening Ceremony
The Paris 2024 Olympic Games are set to commence with a grand Opening Ceremony on the River Seine on July 26. To ensure the safety and security of this spectacular event, authorities have launched an extensive security operation along the river’s banks and quays.
Security Measures Along the Seine
In preparation for the Opening Ceremony, metal security barriers have been installed on both banks of the River Seine, spanning a 6 km (3.7 miles) stretch from Austerlitz Bridge (Pont d’Austerlitz) to Iena Bridge (Pont d’Iena). These barriers will remain in place until at least July 27, providing a secure perimeter for the event.
Access Restrictions
To maintain security, the general public is prohibited from accessing the high and low quays on both river banks until the Opening Ceremony on July 26. During this period, only city residents may enter these areas. On the day of the Opening Ceremony, the quays will be accessible to spectators, allowing them to enjoy the event safely.
Ensuring a Safe Celebration
The extensive security measures underscore the commitment to ensuring a safe and memorable Opening Ceremony. By securing the river’s banks and managing access, authorities aim to create a secure environment for athletes, spectators, and participants.
As the Paris 2024 Olympic Games begin, these proactive steps are crucial in delivering a successful and secure event that showcases the spirit of unity and competition.
Security Preparations
The preparations for security at the Paris 2024 Olympics are well underway and the teams are taking extraordinary measures to ensure the visitors and athletes are protected.
Sealing off the Seine
A formidable security perimeter has been established along the banks of the River Seine in central Paris to safeguard the Opening Ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games on July 26. This “iron curtain” stretches kilometers, sealing off areas from Parisians and tourists without a pre-approved QR code pass.
Access and Security Measures
To enter the restricted zone, individuals must present a QR code, obtained through an online application process that can take several days for approval. This system, announced last year, aims to ensure the security of the event by strictly controlling access.
To ensure the safety of the event, up to 45,000 police and gendarmes, along with 10,000 soldiers, have been deployed. Paris, which has faced significant extremist threats in the past, is taking no chances with the Olympic security.
Temporary Measures
The perimeter, effective from early Thursday, will remain in place through the Opening Ceremony. This unprecedented move to hold the ceremony on the River Seine, rather than in a stadium, necessitates such stringent measures. Most of the river security will be lifted after the event.
Enforcement
While officers have initially been instructed to be patient and accommodating, Paris police chief Laurent Nunez emphasized that enforcement will become stricter after the first 24 hours. Going forward, no exceptions will be made for those without the required QR codes.
K9 Teams
In an unprecedented move, elite K9 teams from India’s Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) have been deployed to Paris to bolster security for the 2024 Olympic Games. Among the ten K9 units are two Belgian Malinois, Vast (age five) and Denby (age three), from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). These skilled K9 “soldiers” and their handlers will be part of the comprehensive security measures starting next week.
The ten dogs, representing various CAPFs including the CRPF, National Security Guard (NSG), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), will be in Paris from August 1 to August 11. Their duties include sniffing and patrolling Olympic venues and events, under the supervision of French authorities.
This deployment marks the first time an Indian K9 unit from the CAPFs has been sent abroad for reasons other than disaster assistance. The French government specifically requested their participation, underscoring the global trust in the capabilities of these units.
The K9 teams have undergone extensive training and conditioning for their overseas duties, and their handlers have even received rudimentary French language instruction to ensure smooth coordination.
Final Thoughts on Security at the Paris 2024 Olympics
Ensuring the safety of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games is an immense and complex task, requiring meticulous planning and extensive collaboration among international security forces.
The deployment of elite K9 units, the establishment of a robust security perimeter, and the implementation of advanced cyber defenses highlight the multifaceted approach needed to protect athletes, spectators, and infrastructure.
The stringent measures, including the unprecedented use of QR code access for restricted zones, underscore the seriousness with which authorities are addressing potential threats. With up to 45,000 police officers, gendarmes, and military personnel, alongside expert K9 teams and enhanced cybersecurity protocols, the commitment to a secure and successful event is evident.
As the world gathers to celebrate the spirit of competition and unity, these proactive steps are essential to creating a safe environment. The comprehensive efforts for security at the Paris 2024 Olympics will help ensure that the games can proceed smoothly, showcasing the best of human athleticism and international cooperation.
