A multi-million
pound boost to the emergency services radio communication system
has been awarded as the countdown to the opening ceremony of the
2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games reaches 1,000 days, the Home
Office announced today.
This significant step in safety and security planning came as the
Home Office made a £39 million investment in Airwave - the radio
communication system used by the police and other emergency
services.
The investment will fund an increase in the
capability of the system in time for the 2012 Games which will
mean it can cater for thousands more users from within the police,
fire and ambulance services.
Security Minister Lord West said:
"The London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games promise to
be among the greatest sporting events in history. And our
investment in the Airwave system underlines our commitment to a
safe and secure Games.
"Investing now means the Airwave network system can be
thoroughly tested before 2012 and will ensure it remains resilient
during Games-time."
This expansion to the radio communication system used by the
police and other emergency services will benefit all 2012 host
venue police forces, fire and ambulance services as well as other
counties which are hosting 2012 events or athletes'
training camps.
Chief Constable Peter Neyroud, Chief Executive of the National
Policing Improvement Agency, said:
"Extending Airwave coverage to meet the needs of the
emergency services for the London 2012 Games is a major step
forward in protecting the public and supporting frontline police
officers.
"Clear and secure radio communication is vital for an
effective emergency service and will be critical to the delivery
of a safe and secure Games. Enabling joint communication between
police, fire and ambulance services this new agreement - together
with Airwave in the London Underground, will provide robust
support to help ensure a swift and co-ordinated response to any incident."
This investment and upgrade is a part of a programme of work,
funded by the Home Office's Olympic and Paralympic
Security Directorate, to establish the operational needs of police
and other emergency services and ensure they are met ahead of Games-time.
Chris Allison Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner of the
Olympic and Paralympic Games said:
"An
effective radio system is vital to the delivery of a safe and
secure 2012 Games.
"The investment in the
Airwave system is a significant step in achieving this aim and
will benefit all emergency services."
Richard Bobbett, Chief Executive of Airwave, said:
"Over the next three years we'll be working
closely with the Home Office, NPIA and Metropolitan Police Service
to ensure Airwave plays its part in securing the London 2012 Games.
"Fulfilment of this contract will mean we have to bring
to life a number of innovations, both from a technological and a
network management point of view.
"We do not underestimate the challenge ahead but are
proud of our track record in providing mission critical
communications to the police and other emergency services, helping
them to be effective in safeguarding the public."
NOTES TO EDITORS
1. A contract was signed on Friday 23 October between Airwave
Solutions Ltd and the National Police Improvement Agency for the
enhancement of the Airwave radio service, which provides core
radio communications for police, fire and ambulance services.
2. A summary of the overall requirements
* capacity to support the additional policing requirements at
all Olympic venues
* coverage within Olympic venues
* capability to support public order operational activities
involving several thousand officers within confined geographical locations
* capability to ensure business as usual activities are not compromised
* capability to address the risk of a spontaneous major
incident whilst continuing to support business as usual and
Olympics requirements
3. For more information contact the Home Office Press Office on
020 7035 3535
4. The 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Safety and Security Strategy
can be found at the following link: http://security.homeoffice.gov.uk/counter-terrorism-strategy/olympics2012/
215/2009
Contacts:
Home Office Press Office
Phone: 020 7035 3535
NDS.HO@coi.gsi.gov.uk