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Olympic security shortfall to be filled by extra troops

The extra troops are on top of the 13,500 already committed to the Games.

G4S has conceded that it has encountered delays in processing applicants for the security roles.

A G4S spokesman said:

“This is an unprecedented and very complex security recruitment and deployment exercise which is being carried out to a very tight schedule.

“We have made very significant progress – we already have nearly 4,000 people at work across 100 venues. We currently have over 9,000 additional people going through the final stages of the required extensive training, vetting and accreditation process.

“We have encountered some delays in progressing applicants through the final stages but we are working extremely hard to process these as swiftly as possible.

“We understand the Government’s decision to bring in additional resources and will work with LOCOG, the military and other agencies to deliver a safe and secure Games.

A Home Office spokesperson told info4security:

“The focus of the Government and everyone involved is on delivering a safe and secure Games. G4S are Locog’s lead contractor for venue security and are being supported by the military.

“Our approach is intelligence-led and risk-based, and we retain the ability to be flexible in our response. In December 2011 the Ministry of Defence announced the level of military support that will help secure the Olympics including assisting with venue security. We have agreed to offer help to G4S by revising the level of military support.”

The defence secretary is due to give details of the additional military support later today.

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