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Securing the 2012 London Olympics

London is hosting the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Securing the 2012 Games and making sure the 15,000 athletes and 34 venues are safe and secure is covered by our strategy.

The government is committed to delivering a Games that is a positive celebration to be enjoyed by millions of people, safe and secure from all threats, including terrorism. This commitment was a major factor in the decision to bring the Games to London, and in July 2009 we published our strategy to deliver safety and security at every Olympic venue and location.

The Olympic and Paralympic Security Directorate (OSD) within the Office for Security and Counter-Terrorism is one of the key security partners, responsible for developing the strategy, monitoring the way it is put into action and for managing the £600 million security budget.

The legacy

Security for the Games will leave a lasting positive legacy, including:

  • communities that are more resilient against crime and the threat from violent extremism
  • improved relationships between police and other security agencies
  • learning that will support the security for the Commonwealth Games to be held in Glasgow in 2014.

Contact us

If you have any questions, please email Olympic security directorate.

Further reading:

Facts and figures

  • 15,000 athletes from more than 200 countries
  • 26 Olympic sports in 34 venues
  • 20 Paralympic sports in 21 venues
  • an estimated nine million tickets on sale
  • 20,000 members of the world’s media likely to attend

Explore this section:

  • The security challenge

    The safety of the 2012 London Olympics is one of the largest and most complex security challenges the UK has faced.

  • Olympic security strategy

    Read a summary of our strategy to ensure the safety and security of the 2012 London Olympics, and download the full document.

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