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Force of thousands to protect Games
 Security officers prepare for the Winter Olympics from Feb. 10. QUICKVOTESECURITY DOs and DON'Ts
SPECIAL REPORTYOUR E-MAIL ALERTS(CNN) -- "When it comes to public security, we Italians are second to none," Francesco Norante, one of the heads of security for the Torino Winter Olympics, has said. Norante, a former captain in Italy's carabinieri, or military police, leads a team that will comprise 200 staff aided by 4,500 volunteers by the start of the Games in February. They will be joined by 9,000 police officers and an unspecified number of Italian military personnel, including special forces. Their aim, organizers say, is to provide an "inconspicuous yet impenetrable ring of protection" around the Games venues. Organizers have been reluctant to disclose the amount of money being spent on security, but some indication can perhaps be gained by noting that the Salt Lake City committee spent $310 million four years ago. That was to protect an Olympiad with fewer athletes and dignitaries in attendance, although it was only months after the September 11 terror attacks in 2001. Organizers say security preparations are progressing well, but an Italian official did confirm last month that "a number" of people have been put under surveillance as the opening ceremony draws nearer. One report quoted the official, Luigi Rinella, Italy's police liaison with the U.S., as saying as many as 700 were being watched, but he later distanced himself from that figure. Interior Minister Giuseppe Pisanu told the Italian Parliament in December that the Torino Games could be a target and that messages on militant web sites had threatened attacks over Italy's support for the war in Iraq. ThreatsBut he stressed that no specific, credible threat had been received. Italy has the fourth largest military contingent in Iraq, with around 3,000 troops deployed there. Rinella later told AP that those under surveillance in Italy included suspected Islamic militants, as well as anti-globalization protesters and anarchists. Anti-G8 protests turned violent in Genoa in 2001. One protester was killed, while more than 250 were arrested. Police were accused of brutality and over-reacting at that time. The following year, two bombs exploded outside the police headquarters in Genoa, damaging the building but causing no casualties. A previously unknown group claimed responsibility, citing the death of the protester as its motivation. The U.S. State department advised anyone attending the Games to be alert and cautious at all times, including at so-called "soft targets." "As security increases in and around Olympic venues, terrorists may shift their focus to more unprotected Olympic venues, open public spaces, hotels, railway and other transportation systems, churches, restaurants, and other sites not associated with the Olympics," the advice warned. "This includes the periods immediately before and after these events." Low profile?Despite the risk, Michael Hershman, who has worked on security at 10 different Olympics over nearly 18 years with the Fairfax Group, told CNN that Winter Games were generally considered at less threat of attack than the Summer Games. "It's a smaller set of games. Fewer athletes, fewer visitors -- perhaps 1.5 million as compared to three, four or five million," he said. "The other advantage when you're dealing with the Winter Olympics is it's more compact, there are fewer competition sites. The sites are more difficult to get to, and therefore more difficult to infiltrate, and therefore, if you're going to cause a disruption, to get away." Nevertheless, the security personnel are taking no chances. Everyone trying to enter a venue will be screened and any bags will be searched. All goods and equipment being delivered will also be rigorously inspected. Organizers are opening venues up to three hours before the scheduled start of competition in a bid to reduce queues and are urging all spectators to arrive early. If all goes well, it should be the only obvious impact of the thousands of security staff on hand to ensure the Games are trouble-free -- and that the pride of security chief Norante in his team proves to be no idle boast. 
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