Paris 2024 – Maximum security

By Louise Peloquin

Security agents from all over the world are joining the 35,000 French police officers and 18, 000 military to ensure maximum security during the Paris Games expected to welcome more than 15 million visitors.

The French Ministry of the Interior is supervising approximately 1,800 agents from some 40 countries – including 31 European nations, South Korea and Qatar – to beef up security details.

     “A great number of these agents will be deployed in train stations, airports, the 39 Olympic sites and other sports venues” specified Minister Gérard Darmanin.

Among the foreign members of the security personnel are police dog teams specialized in detecting explosives, experts in tracking and disabling drones, border guards, spotters to detect unusual bahavior, deminers, mounted police and motorcycle officers. Although they will all be working on French territory, these agents, alone, will not have the judicial prerogative to carry out an arrest or to check someone’s identity. They are systematically working in pairs along with a member of the French security forces.

 “Turning to other countries for assistance is a common practice” stated Minister Darmanin. “All large international events held around the world do it. It is normal to have police officers, deminers and civil security agents to assist in ensuring safety during the world’s largest sports event.” (1)

1) News source: France Télévisions. Translating by Louise Peloquin.