Inside Paris’ ‘patchwork of steel’ Olympics security op with AI surveillance, 45,000 cops & drones amid ISIS threat
PARIS is vying to become a global front-runner in safety through their mammoth “patchwork of steel” security operation ahead of the Olympic Games.
Paris 2024 is set to become the most guarded Games ever with over 60,000 cops and soldiers, drones, helicopters and a huge increase in AI surveillance all deployed after months of growing safety concerns.
Over 43 countries are involved in ensuring the Olympics are kept secure with French officials claiming the “unprecedented” operations are at least three times larger than at London 2012.
The robust defence system will be headed up by over 45,000 police officers and a huge force of up to 18,000 soldiers.
France’s largest deployment of troops since World War Two aims to keep the 15 million visitors and 10,500 Olympic Games competitors safe.
The “patchwork of steel” operation will see security spread across the city rather than being in one centralised spot like London 2012 – a strategy that could prove to be a headache for authorities.
Organisers are preparing for all possibilities during the event with terrorist attacks and protests all looming over the Games.
Paris has been rocked following the recent election chaos that saw tens of thousands of riot cops battling with opposing political supporters.
Political candidates and activists were attacked in the streets with cars and buildings set alight after the country’s most divisive vote ever.
Alongside the huge security teams a number of aerial units will also be in operation.
Rafale fighter jets, AWACS surveillance flights, Reaper surveillance drones and helicopters with high-level snipers on board will patrol the Paris skies throughout the event.
Security expert Will Geddes says Paris are “throwing everything from physical, to technical, to psychological operations” to ensure they protect the event.
Will also says France‘s international reputation may be at stake as he spoke to The Sun on how securing such a major event is a global task.
He said: “All the participating nations that will be attending -approximately 34 – will be bringing their own security solutions and expertise to the table.
“This is important not only to protect their own delegation of participants, but also their own citizens, that will be travelling in to view and to support their own country.
“Most Olympics will enable that, and afford that capability, but also it makes perfect sense because it ensures that it can be as safe as possible.”
Police from across Britain are already supporting French officers in Paris and Marseille, where the sailing events are being held.
British search dogs and their handlers will also be deployed to help with venue security.
French president Emmanuel Macron has assured fans “there are Plan Bs and Plan Cs”, in place if anything happens.
Brigadier General Éric Chasboeuf, the military’s second in command in Paris, told The Sun: “It’s a huge operation.
“I’ve never seen such a level of security in France. Whatever happens we will be ready.
“France is organising the biggest sporting contest in the world. Tensions are rising everywhere, so it’s not just terrorism we have to take into account.
“Keeping the public safe from all threats is our main objective and for a soldier there is no more important mission.”
BELT OF STEEL
Unlike other Olympics, several of the competitions will take place in close proximity to iconic sites in the city centre such as the Eiffel Tower.
This poses significant security problems due to the huge number of people in small areas not designed to hold so many spectators.
Due to these potential issues, extra caution will be placed on the opening ceremony on July 26 – taking place on the River Seine for the first time in modern Olympic history.
The Paris Police Prefecture has declared a four mile metal barricade will be in action to prevent any trouble.
Dubbed the SILT, or the “belt of steel” the anti-terrorism barrier is set to act as the first line of defence.
Passerby’s will need to scan a QR code to pass through the makeshift gated wall.
All cars are also banned from entering a designated zone around some of the venues with just emergency services allowed through.
Paris is one of Europe’s busiest metropolises with it set to be filled with tourists throughout the event.
It comes as commuters voiced their issues with the QR system that has already placed major restrictions on the movement of locals.
The barriers were first put in place on July 18 – over a week before the opening ceremony – meaning on one can go inside a designated “grey zone” without a valid pass.
Around 20,000 people live and work inside the zone with them all being forced to get a pass so they can move around central Paris.
Major tourist hotspots like the Louvre, Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame all fall within the area.
Leaving thousands feeling let down by how the Games have taken over the city.
Will says it is essential the organisers manages to find the right balance between allowing the Games to safely happen but also making sure the city is still a hub for tourism.
The barrier on the famous river is set to stay in place until the end of the opening ceremony where millions are expected to gather to watch on.
TERROR THREATS
Terrorist outfit ISIS has already threatened chilling attacks on the Olympics.
The death cult posted a propaganda poster showing one of its terrorists seemingly flying an “armed drone” to attack the iconic Eiffel Tower.
Officers have already made a number of arrests ahead of the Games with a 26-year-old being held for allegedly plotting “violent action”.
Weeks ago, a 16-year-old was also detained for allegedly saying he wanted to “die a martyr”.
The looming issues are some of the biggest reasons which prompted officials to call for international help.
Will said the potential terror threats are some of the biggest concerns going into the Games.
He told The Sun: “I especially have concerns about this particular Olympic Games for a simple reason that France is at its highest terrorism level and we are already aware of two plots that have been thwarted and foiled.
“The authorities have already denied 3.5,000 applicants that are already on extremism, watch lists on far, left, far right groups, and even those connected to Islamic extremism who have attempted to secure security jobs at the Olympics.
“Now we know full well that the criminals will always, and the terrorists especially, will look at the path of least resistance.
“Therefore the world’s eyes will be watching Paris, and especially those within the security community, to hope that they get this right.”
AI SURVEILLANCE
French President Emmanuel Macron has been vocal about trying to make his country the “champions of AI” with Paris aiming to be the world’s AI capital.
An influx of additional security cameras are expected at the Games with organisers using AI to scan through to ensure safety and security.
In April 2023, French Parliament passed legislation introducing an artificial intelligence-powered security system designed to identify threats to safety.
The systems will be used to monitor crowds made up of 300 or more people by running “intelligent and algorithm-based technology” through the cameras.
It will help police identify crowds, look for abandoned bags and monitor any concerning movements.
But, the ambitious AI goals have already proved controversial with tech experts telling The Sun the plans have thrown up a number of potential ethical and privacy issues.
Maria Opre, a senior analyst at tech specialists EarthWeb, told The Sun: “While the prospect of Paris embracing AI is enticing, it’s crucial to address the ethical and privacy concerns that come with such a transformation.
“Achieving the status of an “AI city” will require a delicate balance between technological advancement and safeguarding fundamental rights.”