iJET Creates Security and Response Operations Center for FIFA World Cup
iJET International, Inc., a operational risk management solutions provider, said that it has established a security and response Operations Center near Sao Paulo, specifically for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
In a release, iJET said that its exercises, assessments and security preparations began in October 2013. iJET has established its operations in Sao Paulo to prepare for, actively monitor and respond to situations that may impact clients. The FIFA World Cup takes place from June 12 through July 13 and is expected to bring in more than 600,000 visitors to Brazil.
Bob Howell, Manager of Response Operations for iJET, is leading the on-the-ground efforts. The team will collaborate with partners to coordinate security, medical assistance, advice and response for clients. iJET's Global Intelligence team will also integrate its operational intelligence capability to support clients. Personnel have been training, running exercises and drills and fine-tuning details as the event draws closer.
"Supporting our clients is a priority for iJET during the World Cup," said Bob Howell. "Our teams have been rehearsing and making preparations non-stop for scenarios that could potentially arise. Our Operations Center will ensure that we have the right people on the ground handling all the needs of our clients in Brazil. If your organization has personnel that will be traveling to Brazil for the World Cup, we strongly urge that you prepare a Travel Risk Management strategy to ensure their safety and be able to communicate with them while in Brazil."
Security remains the top concern for the World Cup. With a total of 12 Brazilian cities hosting matches, Brazil has thus far spent the equivalent of USD 800 million to prepare for the event, but many challenges remain. Violent crime is a serious concern in major cities, and while most victims are local, foreign visitors can become targets. There are fears that the recent protests that gripped Brazil last year during the Confederations Cup could recur, as anarchist groups could once again seek to exploit local discontent over how much money is being spent on the World Cup and preparations for the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. Ideally, police will have learned valuable lessons from the earlier violence, and will be better prepared; thousands of police officers and military forces will be deployed during the World Cup to ensure order. As with major sporting events the world over, the greatest driver of unrest could well be how Brazil's team fares in the competition.
More information:
www.iJET.com
