DSS spearheads Paris Olympics security planning
The Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) is leading efforts to ensure the safety of Team USA during the Paris Olympics, with preparations beginning five years in advance.
Special agents from the DSS, part of the U.S. State Department, have been stationed in Paris two years prior to the games to coordinate security efforts. This includes setting up a joint operations center at the U.S. Embassy to analyze and distribute information to athletes, sponsors, and American citizens.
“Behind me right now is the joint Operation center. It’s an interagency department to analyze information and pass that information out to the athletes, corporate sponsors and American citizens so they stay safe while they’re in Paris,” said Tim Ayers, a special agent overseeing major events coordination for the DSS. Paul Benvie, the DSS Deputy Olympic and Paralympic Security Coordinator, emphasized the importance of collaboration with French partners, stating, “Ensuring that we had all of the information we needed to assign our personnel and our resources.”
The Paris Olympics, with its ‘Games Wide Open’ motto, integrates venues into the city, posing unique security challenges. DSS agents are stationed at each venue and with each team to maintain a visible security presence. Tim Ayers noted the rewarding nature of the work, saying, “It’s very rewarding, too. So we’re there front and center to see these people win their gold medals and they’re working on this whole life on this thing.”
The DSS’s comprehensive security measures aim to protect Team USA throughout the Olympics, with plans to continue their efforts for the Paralympic Games as well. The collaboration with French authorities is crucial to the success of these operations.