Implementation of Nuclear Security at major public events
The organization of a major public
event (MPE) – such as a sports,
political or religious gathering –
involving large numbers of spectators
and participants, presents
important security challenges for any
State. Malevolent acts involving the
use of nuclear and other radioactive
material at MPEs could result in severe
consequences, depending upon the nature and quantity of
the material, the location and the number of people involved.
These considerations have led several States hosting MPEs to implement strategies to deal with attacks using conventional explosives and those involving the malicious use of nuclear or other radioactive material. Since MPEs are planned well in advance, potential adversaries have ample time to prepare their own actions to disrupt them.
The IAEA at work
The IAEA has developed concepts and procedures for dealing effectively with nuclear and radiological threats. The document on 'Implementation of Nuclear Security at Major Public Events' will provide guidance on the enhancement of a nuclear security system to State authorities involved in the organization and security management of an MPE. The proposed concepts are designed to prevent, detect and respond to an incident involving the potential or actual malicious use of nuclear and other radioactive material. These form an integral part of the overall security system for the event since it protects the public and the first responders effectively from the consequences.
Planning
The IAEA assists Member States in the development of an
infrastructure for the implementation of nuclear security at
MPEs. Expert missions are convened to assist in the
development of strategies and concepts for prevention,
detection and response to malicious acts.
The scope includes developing and updating the threat analysis,
outlining prevention measures, developing a deployment
strategy for various radiation detection systems, developing
or adjusting the infrastructure for responding to radiation
detection or relevant incidents and establishing a work plan
for the implementation of nuclear security measures.
Training
The IAEA assists Member States in the development of
training programmes for policy makers and event organizers.
It also provides training for operating organizations, such as
law enforcement officials, emergency response officials and
staff of the relevant technical organizations involved in the
implementation of security at MPEs.
In particular, the IAEA provides specific training on the
updating of the design basis threat, physical protection
measures, detection techniques and instruments and response to criminal or unauthorized acts involving nuclear
and other radioactive material. Specific training courses are
also offered for the collection and analysis of information on
threat analysis, detection techniques and instruments and
response measures.
Equipment
The IAEA supports Member States with the acquisition of
proper equipment for prevention, detection and response
to malicious acts involving nuclear and other radioactive
material. In accordance with the deployment strategies, this includes
providing procurement specifications and an initial
set of equipment for implementation during MPEs.
Guidance/publications
The IAEA is preparing a publication on MPEs based on the
experience acquired in assisting Greece in implementing
an effective nuclear security system for the 2004 Olympic Games.
Drawing on the experience from other States, this new
publication will provide guidance to State authorities on
implementing or enhancing a nuclear security system for
an MPE. The system aims at the prevention and detection
of the response to criminal/unauthorized acts, and should
be an integral part of the overall security system for any MPE.
For further information please contact NuclearSecurity@iaea.org
