Skating, Skiing And Security? (NAPSA)—Even though they last just longer than a fortnight, preparations for the Olympic Games are a long and rigorous process. One of the most crucial elements of planning besides the stadium and venue construction, is Olympic security. To accomplish flawless security, Olympic officials haveenlisted the help of security experts to install and maintain a state-of-the-art system. TheOfficial Electronic Security Supplier for the 2002 Olympic Winter Games, Sensormatic Electronics Corp., will install hundreds of its most advanced dome security camera systems at key venues, including the Olympie Village to provide overall event safety and athlete security. These cameras can magnify an image up to 176X, zooming in close enough to read the name on an athlete’s helmet. In addition, the cameras are equipped with special built-in heaters, enabling them to withstand extreme temperatures. Dome camerasare just one part of Sensormatic’s overall Olympic security installation, which will include biometric access control systems in high-security areas and anti-theft systems in retail venues. Sensormatic recognizes the importanceof installing high-technology devices at such world-class events. “We have to be prepared for anything and advanced technology is the only way to accomplish that,” said Per-Olof Loof, president and CEO of Sensormatic. “New advancements have led to the development of cameras that can see more clearly at night than the human eye. The development and installation of next generation devices is a key factor in the overall Olympic security plan.” While security plans have been in the works for months, thefirst security dome camera systems were recently installed at Utah Olympic Park. These initial installations, which will watch over the skating oval and bobsled 7 \hp Nines bein al sensormiatic eT ‘ As bobsled teamspractice for the next Olympics in Salt Lake City, security installations are already keeping them and their fanssafe. and luge racetrack, are thefirst of more than 260 indoor and outdoor security dome cameras that will help to protect athletes and visitors at the Games by allowing security personnel to monitor all of the Olympic venues and immediately dispatch the appropriate response teams to any given area throughout the Olympicsites. Salt Lake City, the largest city ever to host an Olympic Winter Games, will need to protect more than 2,400 athletes as well as a multitude of coaches, officials, spectators and workers at the 2002 Games. For some idea of the scope of the project consider this: more than 1.6 million tickets were available for Olympic spectators alone. Of course, traditional security methods will also be employed in Salt Lake. However, technologically advanced security systems, like those from Sensormatiec, will allow Olympic organizers to breathe a little easier during the 17 daysoffestivities.
