Who Is Art Director for the 2018 Winter Olympic
Diplomatic Security Service Readying for 2018 Olympics
Merely as Olympic hopefuls train for years, the Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) begins its security preparations well in advance of the actual games. With a number of U.S. and international players involved, creating a secure surround for the largest multi-sport event in the world is no easy feat.
But, DSS is well organized to handle complex events. DSS has a dedicated squad – the Major Events Coordination Unit within the DSS Function of Protection – that solely focuses on organizing large international events such as the Olympic Games, the COPA Tournament, and World Loving cup to ensure the safe and security of U.S. citizens and diplomats participating in or attending the events.
It may seem odd that a Department of State entity has a major part in Olympic security preparations. All the same, given DSS' global security mission and presence, organizing a major overseas issue is a natural fit. Likewise, because DSS special agents are both law enforcement and members of the Strange Service , they are uniquely suited to handle both security and diplomatic challenges that may occur before or during the games.
Kevin Wetmore, principal of the Dignitary Protection and Major Events Division, notes that DSS deploys dozens of agents to support international sporting events. They practice not have explicit legal authority to perform security in the country; all the same, they are able to complete their mission because of their dual-hatted part.
"Our interest in the games really highlights our agents' cultural awareness and sensitivities, negotiation skills, and experience in operating in the international arena," said Wetmore. "No other organisation brings this unique blend of skills to the table."
I of the start partners DSS began communicating with for Olympic preparation was theU.S. Pacific Control (PACOM), whose area of responsibleness includes South korea. In improver to having a vested involvement in a successful and safe 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Games, PACOM has deep knowledge of U.Southward. interests and activities in the region. In December 2016, Director of the Office of Protection Rick Colón met with PACOM officials for initial coordination meetings and briefings, and has connected coordination with the command since and then.
"Republic of korea is a picayune bit dissimilar than the 2016 Brazil games because of the geopolitical considerations," said Wetmore. "In that location'south already a large U.S. presence in South korea that nosotros did not have in Brazil. Also, it's a different flavor because these are Winter Olympics, which take a dissimilar set of safety concerns and planning requirements."
For the 2018 games, DSS special amanuensis and Olympic Security Coordinator Craig Reistad has been in Southward Korea since September 2016 and his deputy, Marking Woods-Hawkins, arrived in early Feb 2017. The two are working with multiple stakeholders, including the State Section-led International Security Event Group (ISEG), a multi-agency torso of more than 20 U.Due south. agencies. ISEG leadership met with counterparts in December 2016 to visit the Olympic venues and discuss joint security preparations at the senior level.
"A lot of the folks supporting these Olympics take worked together previously at other major events and will bring their vast experiences with them," said Reistad. He noted that while some law enforcement partners may comport site visits, nigh won't arrive in state until a week or two before the games begin.
In addition to U.Southward. partners, Reistad and Woods-Hawkins are working with international bodies such every bit Five Eyes partners, and South Korea's law enforcement and security personnel.
Co-ordinate to Reistad, the preparations are going smoothly – due in part to the vast experience the team has in analogous major events. This is Reistad'southward first fourth dimension spearheading DSS' participation at a major international upshot; however, he spent a calendar week in Brazil observing security operations for the 2016 Olympic Games. Woods-Hawkins supported the 2012 London Olympics and has participated in other major international upshot operations. Reistad added that the DSS regional security officer (RSO) and deputy RSO at the U.S. Diplomatic mission in Seoul have supported preparations for previous Olympic Games also: "RSO Keith Byrne and D-RSO Paul Vallee accept been very generous in sharing their combined experience."
At the local level, collaboration with S Korean counterparts is going well. Reistad and Woods-Hawkins are working with Korean National Police force Agency (KNPA) officials and the security part of the PyeongChang Organizing Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. As a best practice for major events, the OSC escorted a KNPA officer to Houston to discover security preparations for the 2017 Super Basin and Super Bowl-related activities.
"The KNPA official saw how we prepare and manage when there are overlapping authorities, yet manage to create a seamless security bubble for events," said Wetmore.
Reistad said that excitement about the upcoming games has started to build in the country. One time the i-year countdown began, Olympics posters and signs began springing upward around Seoul; statues and cutouts of the Olympic mascots are popping upwards effectually shopping malls and other public locations.
Reistad and Woods-Hawkins will maintain focus on South Korea until the close of the games. However, DSS already has an heart out for the 2020 Olympics in Japan.
"Nosotros're already engaging the Japanese by planning for them to observe joint operations during the 2018 games likewise as seeking out training and exchange possibilities that will improve the security for all visitors and teams," said Wetmore.
"Our goal is to heighten the host country's security posture and marshalling of resources so at that place are no duplicative efforts. It requires constant engagement."
Source: https://www.state.gov/diplomatic-security-service-readying-for-2018-olympics/
0 Response to "Who Is Art Director for the 2018 Winter Olympic"
Post a Comment