By David Gold
July 31 – Brazil has unveiled its security plan for the 2014 FIFA World Cup host cities, with R1.17 billion (£370 million/$578 million/€472 million) to be invested in keeping the competition safe.
That money will be spent on command and control centre equipment, as well as security items including mobile police stations, boats, cameras and software, the Brazilian Special Secretariat of Security for Major Events (SESGE) announced.
A major test of the security plan will be the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup to be held in Brazil next June.
“The matches [at the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup], from the standpoint of security, are of equal importance to us as the World Cup,” said Security Secretary Valdinho Jacinto Caetano.
“Of course we will not have the same number of tourists as we will during the World Cup, but for us it’s time to take the plan, the equipment, and run a big test to identify what needs to be improved and keep what is working.”
The security plan could also be tested out during the Brazilian championship later this year.
The plans are adaptable to suit the needs of each of the nation’s 12 host cities.
“The World Cup will be in 2014 and we are not developing a static plan today,” said Caetano.
“While the basic assumptions are ready, they can always be changed and updated, according to the needs of each host city.”
The plans have been put together after exchanging ideas with a number of other countries, including Britain, the United States and Germany.
A training course for 20 people is being held in Washington DC this week, with representatives from each Brazilian state hosting World Cup matches attending the event.
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