G4S bidding to run security at 2014 Commonwealth Games

Security company G4S is one of 19 firms in line to provide stewards and guards at next year’s Commonwealth Games.

The firm was heavily criticised for its part in the London Olympics when thousands of military personnel had to be drafted in after the company admitted it might not be able to provide enough guards.

It emerged last month that G4S was in the bidding to provide stewards for Glasgow 2014.

Games chiefs have published a list of 19 firms that have been “invited to sign up to framework agreements” to support Police Scotland at July’s competition. They also include Securigroup, Showsec International and AP Security.

Decisions over contracts to companies for specific venues, roles and responsibilities will be taken later.

Deputy Chief Constable Steve Allen, director of games security, said planning was now well-advanced and had been subject to “significant levels of scrutiny”.

“Police Scotland will always have the lead role and responsibility in delivering games safety and security, with private contract security staff used in roles which do not require police officers,” he said.