[SillyEddy]

I am so disappointed, as many are, with the quality of security surrounding the Olympics. The G4S contract felt as if it had been dealt under the table, and the military had to be brought in rapidly to set up and inconvenience quite a few people (missile sites on top of buildings, etc).

But there's one thing which bugs me, and it is really starting to annoy me. The FBI and the TSA. Both of whom are going to be on UK soil during the games. Some reports say that America doesn't trust our security (well, I can kinda see why) but I think it's completely inappropriate for American agencies to be operating in the UK. There are weekly stories of people being 'molested' by the TSA, and the FBI really don't strike me as a trustworthy source of security. I've read that they won't be carrying firearms, which is a relief due to the general 'shoot first and ask questions later' approach which seems to reflect American law enforcement.

Their security is their problem, I think the UK should be left to deal with theirs. The way they enforce the law over there is totally different to how we do things over here. It's an entire culture, and there's no way that they could associate in time to be a useful asset.

I was invited to the opening ceremony rehearsals, but I am going to decline. I would write many angry letters to MPs and LOCOG, etc, but it's too late and more information just comes pouring in too close to the games. I honestly don't want to go near an Olympic venue. I will watch it from home, but I have genuine concerns for safety when they let US agencies operate over here. I am usually fairly content with the government, but this just takes the mick. The amount of time and money they've had, and they just keep failing the citizens. Even if people were held to account, they'd just resign and still benefit from the system much the same as before.


What is your view? Are you happy for the Americans to be looking after you in our country? I'd prefer them to be associated with Queen and country (like the police and the military) if I am going to have to work with them. G4S are hardly that, but at least most of the staff are naturalised and are trained under government guidelines.

[Azaro]

its better than security staff who dont speak english, i suppose

[SillyEddy]

(Original post by Azaro)
its better than security staff who dont speak english, i suppose

I must say, at least you can say "Don't touch my junk" to the English speaking TSA - They will understand you, but I don't know if they'll listen

[Drewski]

(Original post by SillyEddy)
I am so disappointed, as many are, with the quality of security surrounding the Olympics. The G4S contract felt as if it had been dealt under the table, and the military had to be brought in rapidly to set up and inconvenience quite a few people (missile sites on top of buildings, etc).

That part was always going to be done by the military. Do you really think G4S was going to operate surface to air missiles over civilian areas?! Their (the Armed Forces) original introduction was not rapid, it was planned and carefully orchestrated. It's the additional troops called in recently that has been rapid - but this too was planned for. Not because people knew G4S was going to fail, but because the MoD and the Gov are in the business of making contingency plans for every eventuality.

But there's one thing which bugs me, and it is really starting to annoy me. The FBI and the TSA. Both of whom are going to be on UK soil during the games. Some reports say that America doesn't trust our security (well, I can kinda see why) but I think it's completely inappropriate for American agencies to be operating in the UK. There are weekly stories of people being 'molested' by the TSA, and the FBI really don't strike me as a trustworthy source of security. I've read that they won't be carrying firearms, which is a relief due to the general 'shoot first and ask questions later' approach which seems to reflect American law enforcement.

The shoot first thing is silly. Especially for the FBI, stop watching films and tv, it's turning your brain to mush. As for the first bit... Americans believe they're answerable to noone but themselves, hence why they don't do the International War Crimes at The Hague. If anything happens to any Americans then the American authorities want in. And, fwiw, there's always FBI people based ehre - at their embassy.

What is your view? Are you happy for the Americans to be looking after you in our country? I'd prefer them to be associated with Queen and country (like the police and the military) if I am going to have to work with them. G4S are hardly that, but at least most of the staff are naturalised and are trained under government guidelines.

This is the way the world is, has been and will always be. Short of a US boycott of the Games, there's no way we won't have input from their agencies.

[GodAtum]

(Original post by Drewski)
This is the way the world is, has been and will always be. Short of a US boycott of the Games, there's no way we won't have input from their agencies.

i dont think the FSB are going to have much say!