Athens tests new security system after transport drill
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2004-07-27 09:22

Greek security officials on Monday carried out a test of a new communication and surveillance system that will serve as the nerve center for safeguarding next month's Olympic Games.

The 255-million-euro network -- developed by a consortium led by San Diego-based Science Applications International Corp, or SAIC -- underwent field tests after months of delays and disputes.

The security systems include more than 1,000 street and venue cameras, sensors and other devices hooked up to a command center.

It also includes a 200-foot airship, equipped with high resolution cameras and chemical agent "sniffers". During the games, the airship is expected to float over the capital for more than 15 hours daily.

The backbone of the communications network is a radio system aimed at linking police, armed forces and other services.

Athens is spending a record 1.2 billion euros on security and atotal of 70,000 police and soldiers will be involved.

SAIC's system was to be delivered by May 28, but was only declared operational last week. Some company officials blamed the delay on construction setbacks at Olympic venues.

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