Security at the Olympics

[Thedelldays]

I already know of people that got told yesterday and today that they have to cancel their summer leave (some have not had leave for months and were due in hols with their kids)

 

They have to fill in the 3.5k hole

Some of the lads are due away for 6 months+ from oct/nov

 

It's a harsh world

[dune]

How do they feel about what alpine is going on about?

 

what is alpine going on about?

[Gemmel]

Without completely hijacking your thread, I do believe we will see some sort of "security incident" at the games.

 

I hope I am wrong and may be it is just paranoia. If anything does happen or is planned, it won't be stopped by large volumes of forces personnel.

[Thedelldays]

You won't hear many dripping about it either. Most just get on with it

[dune]

You won't hear many dripping about it either. Most just get on with it

 

I suppose they could travel outside the olympic village and buy some.

[dubai_phil]

Security Guard. Fully Trained, College Education. 1.39 an hour.

 

Just saying - we needed to get a quote for one for our factory down here, that was the average price.

 

I guess G4 didn't bother looking around for where most of the highly trained types from UK were working these days. (Or maybe they did and found out what they charge per hour)

[anothersaintinsouthsea]

yet again the public sector comes to the resuce of a failing private sector firm.

[Viking Warrior]

so many people moaning about the use of our forces at the olympics on the sky and beeb website.

 

Some people just do not have a frigging clue.

 

They miss the fundamental point the security is essential in this day and age there are enough loons out there who will try to maim and murder folk for their own publicity especially at a western held olympics.

 

The services will not cost anymore than if they were sat in their barracks

 

Some comments are farcical.

 

This is one for instance. The army are the Governments whipping boys these days. They just get told to do whatever the other services refuse to. Police on strike, get the Army to police instead. Firefighters on stike, get the Army to firefight instead. Their real name should be 'The Army, Plus whatever Thankless Task the Government wants you to do'.

 

If these plebs did a bit mor research then they would find out what the forces peace time role consists off.

 

I have been an ambulanceman, stevedore, dustman and a firefighter during strikes. My colleagues have helped out in floods , Fot and mouth epidemics. we are aware that was part of our peace time responsibilities

 

I think the labout government were wrong to give an obscene contract to G4S. They should have tasked the services from the start.

 

Then there is the PC Brigade. complaining about Rapier and HVM systems being deployed. I understand their concerns, but can you imagine if the limp handed liberals and PC brigade had their way. think if the outcry there would be if these terrorists managed to blow up parts of london and the olympc venues.

 

I would rather the government cover every angle than bowing down to the political correct.

By the way the PC etc are now stating they dont want servicemen to be seen wearing uniforms in public places .

[Minty]

The issue is G4's failure to deliver... I think most people recognise that there is a need for security, and that if need be, the forces will step in. But it shouldn't have been necessary. A private company has f*cked up basically, and has had to be 'bailed out'.

[stevegrant]

The issue is G4's failure to deliver... I think most people recognise that there is a need for security, and that if need be, the forces will step in. But it shouldn't have been necessary. A private company has f*cked up basically, and has had to be 'bailed out'.

And yet seemingly won't be penalised for their incompetence as they're set to be awarded loads of police and NHS contracts

[Minty]

And yet seemingly won't be penalised for their incompetence as they're set to be awarded loads of police and NHS contracts

 

I was trying not to go there...

[stevegrant]

I was trying not to go there...

It's a rather interesting coincidence that dozens of Conservative MPs own shares in G4S, isn't it?

[View From The Top]

It's a rather interesting coincidence that dozens of Conservative MPs own shares in G4S, isn't it?

 

I believe Heseltine was on the board when the Conservative government 1st handed out the contracts for private prisons, which were won, shockingly, by G4S.

[Thedelldays]

My phone has no rang yet

 

Then again. I know I am safe from stuff like this

 

[ThreeSixty]

G4S completely ****ed it.

 

Absolute laughing stock of the industry atm.

[Viking Warrior]

I think G4S need to change there sales pitch on their web site

 

Who We AreG4S is the world's leading international security solutions group

 

With operations in more than 125 countries and 657,000 employees, we specialise in outsourced business processes and facilities in sectors where security and safety risks are considered a strategic threat.

 

From risk assessment to delivery, we work in partnership with governments, businesses and other organisations to provide integrated solutions to security challenges.

 

We protect rock stars and sports stars, people and property, including some of the world’s most important buildings and events.

 

From advising on stadium building plans to crowd control and ensuring event tickets are not forged;

 

From delivering pay packets to ensuring ATMs have enough cash to meet your shopping needs;

 

From delivering cash to bank branches and retail outlets to managing the flow of cash for central banks and major retailers;

 

From ensuring travellers have a safe and pleasant experience in ports and airports around the world to secure detention and escorting of people who are not lawfully entitled to remain in a country;

In more ways than you might realise, G4S is securing your world.

[pap]

G4S Olympic security recruitment 'utterly chaotic', according to former police sergeant who withdrew his application.

 

This bit is particularly concerning:-

 

"The instructors had been given a script that they had to stick to, and if you asked a question, they would not be able to give you an answer. The training was very basic and minimal. Having undergone their training I realised that they only wanted cheap labour.

 

 

"My great worry was this was being done before the vetting process had been completed."

 

 

Hmm. Private company with large security contract at major international sports event looking for cheap labour. The vetting coming after training sounds a bit sussed too. G4S look like a company trying to cut corners. Their inept performance does make me wonder about the diligence (or lack thereof) they may have applied in other areas.

 

What could possibly go wrong, eh?

[Verbal]

These vastly inflated contracts handed to private scroungers like G4S must be written on the back of a fag packet. It can't be beyond a senior civil servant's imagination, surely, to specify (among other things) minimum employment pay and conditions, as well as stage payments based on satisfactory performance in meeting targets in the lead up to the Olympics.

[Sergei Gotsmanov]

These vastly inflated contracts handed to private scroungers like G4S must be written on the back of a fag packet. It can't be beyond a senior civil servant's imagination, surely, to specify (among other things) minimum employment pay and conditions, as well as stage payments based on satisfactory performance in meeting targets in the lead up to the Olympics.

 

From what I know, the original contracts were quite hard to get and this is probably more to blame.

 

As it happens, apparently this year if anything is needed now then you can name your price.

[JPTCount]

hold up, havnt we got record youth unemployment? why couldn't g4s take them on as volunteers, or on apprenticeship wages? oh, wait.

[Verbal]

S4E and now G4S. Why do corrupt companies skimming billions off the taxpayer insist on the number 4?

[PhilippineSaint]

My phone has no rang yet

 

Then again. I know I am safe from stuff like this

 

 

Wont you be in your sub protecting the sailing fleet of Weymouth beach??

[Mattio]

I used to work (sub-contract) for G4S they're dodgy as ****, most of their staff were from Liverpool and are the sort of people you wouldn't want to meet in a dark alley or so stupid they'd fail Key Stage 1 school exams. They are more of a risk to security than most of the punters at the events and will so sweet f all if there's an incident, so it's probably a blessing in disguise in terms of having reliable security.

[ThreeSixty]

I used to work (sub-contract) for G4S they're dodgy as ****, most of their staff were from Liverpool and are the sort of people you wouldn't want to meet in a dark alley or so stupid they'd fail Key Stage 1 school exams. They are more of a risk to security than most of the punters at the events and will so sweet f all if there's an incident, so it's probably a blessing in disguise in terms of having reliable security.

 

I subbed for them once, never again.

[Viking Warrior]

I dont see hw labout were monitoring the G4S contract.

Tessa Jowell clearly suffers from memory loss.

 

Tessa Jowell, the shadow Olympics minister, said the security contracts awarded to G4S under the Labour government should have been closely monitored "day by day" to ensure what the company was saying was borne out in fact.

[Thedelldays]

There is no where to put the majority of the 3.5k extra troops

 

They are going to be housed in tents, abandoned buildings and general shyt holes

[buctootim]

There is no where to put the majority of the 3.5k extra troops

 

They are going to be housed in tents, abandoned buildings and general shyt holes

 

A business opportunity! Im going to put in a tender for that accomodation contract. Ill call the company G4S (Hospitality) Ltd.

[alpine_saint]

You won't hear many dripping about it either. Most just get on with it

 

Yes, but just for once it would be nice if the personnel of HM Forces were not put upon to coverup the inadequacies and penny-pinching/profit maximisation of private contractors.

 

There are sorts of signs coming to the fore that HM Forces are maybe being pushed too hard, such as last weeks Tornado collision. Our deluded governments want to committ to more and more theatres whilst slashing the sizes of avaialble resources.

[Verbal]

A business opportunity! Im going to put in a tender for that accomodation contract. Ill call the company G4S (Hospitality) Ltd.

 

Well done. Here's £100m.

[This Charming Man]

My phone has no rang yet

 

Then again. I know I am safe from stuff like this

 

 

Because frisking people is too taxing for you...?

[Minty]

My phone has no rang yet

 

Then again. I know I am safe from stuff like this

 

Because frisking people is too taxing for you...?

 

Nah, because he's on O2.

[pap]

Does anyone remember when American Gladiators was first shown in the days when ITV was just starting to do 24 hour telly?

 

To make the audience look bigger than it was, they actually used cardboard cutouts in the upper tiers of the arena. Perhaps G4S could employ a similar strategy during the Olympics. No vetting, no training. At the very least, it might deter your more myopic extremist.

 

I await my honours in the New Years list.

[ecuk268]

 

To make the audience look bigger than it was, they actually used cardboard cutouts in the upper tiers of the arena. Perhaps G4S could employ a similar strategy during the Olympics. No vetting, no training. At the very least, it might deter your more myopic extremist.

 

I await my honours in the New Years list.

 

Judging by the reports on some of their new recruits, they's do a better job.

[Flyer]

You guys havent even heard the worst stuff.

 

An undercover reporter went through the training and he wasnt vetted, during the training guns ammo etc got through the screening and they are only going to search 1 in 5. So a terrorist would have a 80% chance of getting anything he wanted into a stadium. Also lots of the staff couldnt even speak English so basically we have football type stewards protecting us from a potential attack.

 

When the gov asked them to double the amount trained, G4 wanted 9 times as much money and the gov handed it over. Its almost like they want it to be as inept as possible so an attack will happen.

[derry]

You guys havent even heard the worst stuff.

 

An undercover reporter went through the training and he wasnt vetted, during the training guns ammo etc got through the screening and they are only going to search 1 in 5. So a terrorist would have a 80% chance of getting anything he wanted into a stadium. Also lots of the staff couldnt even speak English so basically we have football type stewards protecting us from a potential attack.

 

When the gov asked them to double the amount trained, G4 wanted 9 times as much money and the gov handed it over. Its almost like they want it to be as inept as possible so an attack will happen.

 

You think that's new? It's been happening for years, Ministry Inspectors going through airport security with guns/grenades encased in plastic and not being caught. Hiding articles on aircraft testing that the crew searches don't find them. I often heard of the first but very rarely the second. My crew challenged one as he entered and he realised he was nobbled and pushed off for easier game.

[TopGun]

So G4S admits it has screwed up 16 days before the Games. On a £300m contract. Big questions to be asked.

[TopGun]

You guys havent even heard the worst stuff.

 

An undercover reporter went through the training and he wasnt vetted, during the training guns ammo etc got through the screening and they are only going to search 1 in 5. So a terrorist would have a 80% chance of getting anything he wanted into a stadium. Also lots of the staff couldnt even speak English so basically we have football type stewards protecting us from a potential attack.

 

When the gov asked them to double the amount trained, G4 wanted 9 times as much money and the gov handed it over. Its almost like they want it to be as inept as possible so an attack will happen.

 

I don't agree with the analogy stated at all. When I worked at Manchester 2002 we had numerous situations of "under cover journalists" attempting to prove things were not ready or right. Most of them were mercenary freelancers attempting to create sensationalism in order to sell stories to the tabloids.

 

However, I accept that G4S have been very poor given they had a £300m contract to provide a security service.

[PhilippineSaint]

You guys havent even heard the worst stuff.

 

An undercover reporter went through the training and he wasnt vetted, during the training guns ammo etc got through the screening and they are only going to search 1 in 5. So a terrorist would have a 80% chance of getting anything he wanted into a stadium. Also lots of the staff couldnt even speak English so basically we have football type stewards protecting us from a potential attack.

 

When the gov asked them to double the amount trained, G4 wanted 9 times as much money and the gov handed it over. Its almost like they want it to be as inept as possible so an attack will happen.

Of course the government want an attack to happen how else will they be able to impose more restrictions and tax's on the middle class people that pay all of there wages.

[Thedelldays]

Yes, but just for once it would be nice if the personnel of HM Forces were not put upon to coverup the inadequacies and penny-pinching/profit maximisation of private contractors.

 

There are sorts of signs coming to the fore that HM Forces are maybe being pushed too hard, such as last weeks Tornado collision. Our deluded governments want to committ to more and more theatres whilst slashing the sizes of avaialble resources.

 

Guff. Again

[alpine_saint]

Guff. Again

 

More "I judge your opinion to be sh*t because I know how to toast a crumpet in a submarine's galley" b*ll*cks. Again.

 

Admit it, you opinionated sh*t. You think someone isnt allowed to comment on the Armed Forces if they havent served, dont you ?

 

I support the UK armed forces 100%. I donate regularly to Help for Heroes, and fret over the way the Military Covenant is being abused by the latest bunch of opportunists and chancers in Parliament. Yet I am regulary sneered at by you.

 

Take a day off, you supercillious arsewipe.

Edited 15 July, 2012 by alpine_saint

[Saintandy666]

I don't know why we had a private company to do it in the first place. For something as important as security at an event as large as the games, just let the police do it and have the army back them up if necessary from the beginning. Tbh, the times I have had personal contact with G4S security haven't been great. They seem to have some very good guards, but also some not so good ones.

 

I don't really see the fuss about the army coming in though. Surely it's not as if they are being inconvenienced massively because being in the army is a full time job and if they weren't helping with security at the games, they'd be doing something else.

[alpine_saint]

so many people moaning about the use of our forces at the olympics on the sky and beeb website.

 

Some people just do not have a frigging clue.

 

They miss the fundamental point the security is essential in this day and age there are enough loons out there who will try to maim and murder folk for their own publicity especially at a western held olympics.

 

The services will not cost anymore than if they were sat in their barracks

 

Some comments are farcical.

 

This is one for instance. The army are the Governments whipping boys these days. They just get told to do whatever the other services refuse to. Police on strike, get the Army to police instead. Firefighters on stike, get the Army to firefight instead. Their real name should be 'The Army, Plus whatever Thankless Task the Government wants you to do'.

 

If these plebs did a bit mor research then they would find out what the forces peace time role consists off.

 

I have been an ambulanceman, stevedore, dustman and a firefighter during strikes. My colleagues have helped out in floods , Fot and mouth epidemics. we are aware that was part of our peace time responsibilities

 

I think the labout government were wrong to give an obscene contract to G4S. They should have tasked the services from the start.

 

Then there is the PC Brigade. complaining about Rapier and HVM systems being deployed. I understand their concerns, but can you imagine if the limp handed liberals and PC brigade had their way. think if the outcry there would be if these terrorists managed to blow up parts of london and the olympc venues.

 

I would rather the government cover every angle than bowing down to the political correct.

By the way the PC etc are now stating they dont want servicemen to be seen wearing uniforms in public places .

 

VW, I think you and TDD should drop the martyrdom angle.

 

Hardly anyone is complaining about the Armed Forces being involved in the security. They are complaining because G4S are being paid an absolute fortune to provide security and they've cut corners and penny-pinched to maximise profit whilst behaving in a thoroughly incompetent manner, whilst the members of the Armed Forces wil have to take up the slack whilst many are living under the fear or redundancy or are actually receiving redundancy notices whilst in sh*t holes like Helmand.

 

Just because members of the Armed Forces are not complaining, they are just shrugging their shoulders and getting on with it, doesnt make it right. And if many of us out on civvy street think its wrong and is tantamount to abuse of our Armed Forces to cover up British management incompetence and greed, thats our right.

[Saintandy666]

VW, I think you and TDD should drop the martyrdom angle.

 

Hardly anyone is complaining about the Armed Forces being involved in the security. They are complaining because G4S are being paid an absolute fortune to provide security and they've cut corners and penny-pinched to maximise profit whilst behaving in a thoroughly incompetent manner, whilst the members of the Armed Forces wil have to take up the slack whilst many are living under the fear or redundancy or are actually receiving redundancy notices whilst in sh*t holes like Helmand.

 

Just because members of the Armed Forces are complaining, they are just shrugging their shoulders and getting on with it, doesnt make it right. And if many of us out on civvy street think its wrong and is tantamount to abuse of our Armed Forces to cover up British management incompetence and greed, thats our right.

 

So would you agree that there are just some things the private sector just shouldn't do?

[alpine_saint]

So would you agree that there are just some things the private sector just shouldn't do?

 

No complaints from me, Andy. I also dont think railways, postal services, hospitals or schools should be privately run.

 

But I doubt our police forces or Armed Forces were able to suddenly find 20,000 warm bodies when planning of the Olympics operations were underway.

[Thedelldays]

Yes andy, like fighting wars or going on leave

 

Example

 

I know a few lads that got the call last week. They have not had leave since last summer (was away at Xmas and this Easter) and have now had to cancel their summer holiday with their loved ones and in one case, 2 year old child and they are sue away again in October until 22 December

 

That is why these extra numbers are peeing people off

[alpine_saint]

Yes andy, like fighting wars or going on leave

 

Example

 

I know a few lads that got the call last week. They have not had leave since last summer (was away at Xmas and this Easter) and have now had to cancel their summer holiday with their loved ones and in one case, 2 year old child and they are sue away again in October until 22 December

 

That is why these extra numbers are peeing people off

 

And rightly so. Hammond and those tw*ts in Whitehall need to be made to understand.

[Saintandy666]

Yes andy, like fighting wars or going on leave

 

Example

 

I know a few lads that got the call last week. They have not had leave since last summer (was away at Xmas and this Easter) and have now had to cancel their summer holiday with their loved ones and in one case, 2 year old child and they are sue away again in October until 22 December

 

That is why these extra numbers are peeing people off

 

That's fair enough then. Obviously, I have sympathies with those who have had to cancel leave because of the incompetence of G4S.

[Thedelldays]

That's fair enough then. Obviously, I have sympathies with those who have had to cancel leave because of the incompetence of G4S.

 

There have been many issues owe the years where forces personnel have lost all leave and had to completely alter their immediate plans for other reasons

 

I still fuking detest the fireman strike.

That really ruined everyone's day

[alpine_saint]

There have been many issues owe the years where forces personnel have lost all leave and had to completely alter their immediate plans for other reasons

 

I still fuking detest the fireman strike.

That really ruined everyone's day

 

What was the point of this thread ? Was it just for you to moan and stamp your feet ? You've even had a go at me for agreeing and supporting you.

 

You really are an attention-seeking troll.

[buctootim]

Nearly all terrorist plots that are foiled are broken up by intelligence, not by some discovery at a security checkpoint. We live in an overly intrusive security mad world where every plane trip is like being in a battery farm. If there has to be sreening and searching it should be randomised.