BRASILIA: Whatever the problems and delays afflicting Brazil’s build-up to its hosting of the 2014 World Cup, it is at least pushing ahead with the security system to be put in place.

The  Special Secretariat of Security for Major Events (SESGE) has released its  Strategic Security Plan for the event, outlining the tactical and operational plans for security at the 12 host cities and pledging $578m in equipment for command and control centers, training, and security items such as mobile police stations, boats, cameras, and software.

The first major test of the security plan will be the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup to be held in Brazil next June.

“The matches, from the standpoint of security, are of equal importance to us as the World Cup,” said Security Secretary 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.”

SESGE has been exchanging information with security forces of other countries which have organized major events such as the United Kingdom, the United States and Germany.

A training course for 20 people will be held this week in Washington D.C., including representatives of the 12 Brazilian states that will be hosting matches as well as representatives of Brazilian federal agencies.

SESGE will have a budget of $ 578m but the total investment in security still needs to be agreed on with  states and municipalities for inclusion in the World Cup Responsibility Matrix – a regulatory step that is expected to be completed soon.

States and host cities will invest in the physical structure of the command and control centers, in addition to police forces, vehicles and other equipment.

 

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