Campeonato Brasileiro may become testing ground for World Cup security
01 Aug 2012
Brazil’s strategic security plan for the 2014 FIFA World Cup could be tested during the domestic Campeonato Brasileiro later this year, according to Valdinho Jacinto Caetano, Secretary of the country’s Extraordinary Secretariat for the Security of Big Events (SESGE).
The SESGE on Tuesday released details of the plan, which outlines the tactical and operational plans for security at the 12 Brazilian World Cup host cities. The plan aims to increase public security by integrating intelligence equipment, technology and services across a number of institutions. It will be adapted to suit the local protocols and specific needs of each host city.
While the 2013 Confederations Cup is being lined up as the major test of Brazil’s security planning for the main event one year later, Caetano said simulations could begin during this year’s domestic championship. Referring to the Confederations Cup, he told the Brazilian government’s official World Cup Portal website: “The matches, from the standpoint of security, are of equal importance to us as the World Cup. 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.”
The strategic plan defines the security forces to be used during major events, how these forces will work, as well as which equipment and technology needs to be acquired. Caetano said that the plan will constantly evolve, adding: “The World Cup will be in 2014 and we are not developing a static plan today. While the basic assumptions are ready, they can always be changed and updated, according to the needs of each host city.” The SESGE has a budget of R$1.17 billion (US$578 million) for security preparations for the World Cup.
