Security and Olympics: The Legacy of Paris 2024

Security efforts were extensive and based on early planning, strong coordination, and significant mobilisation of both public and private actors. As attention shifts toward the 2030 Winter Games in the French Alps and the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, the Paris experience offers valuable insights into the complex task of securing high-profile international events.

Paris 2024: A Security Operation on an Unprecedented Scale

Paris welcomed millions of visitors during the Olympic and Paralympic Games in a context that required constant vigilance. The event saw the deployment of nearly 45,000 security personnel for the opening ceremony alone, with daily operations involving around 30,000 police and gendarmes, 10,000 military personnel, 16,000 private security agents, and 1,800 international reinforcements. Municipal police and volunteers also played a visible role in public areas and transport hubs.

The result was a notable drop in public-order offences in the capital, contributing to a widespread sense of safety. Nationwide, concerns of displaced criminal activity did not materialise. Security planning had been underway for years, coordinated across multiple institutions under a centralised command structure led by the Paris Police Prefect, enabled by special legislation. Over one million background checks were conducted to vet individuals working in or around Olympic venues. Additional legal measures, including administrative searches and restrictions, were also deployed in limited cases under existing law.

The operation demonstrated the effectiveness of advanced planning, inter-agency cooperation, and strong logistical coordination. Authorities and observers are now reflecting on which elements of the Paris 2024 model might be applied to future large-scale events.

Looking to 2030: Preparing the Alps for the Winter Games

In preparation for Winter Olympics in 2030, set to take place across four zones: Savoie, Haute-Savoie, the Côte d’Azur, and the Briançon region, many of the same security measures from Paris 2024 will be implemented. In June 2025, the French Senate passed a bill aimed at streamlining urban planning and enabling key construction projects. The legislation also contains several provisions related to public safety.

Among them is the extension of an experimental system introduced during the Paris Games: the use of algorithmic video analysis for security surveillance. This technology, which does not involve facial recognition, is intended to detect unusual objects or crowd movements in real time. While assessments from the Paris experience noted mixed performance depending on operators and usage scenarios, the French government has opted to continue testing its potential through 2027. Amendments to the law would allow local public surveillance agents to access alerts generated by these systems.

Another proposed measure for 2030 is the creation of a legal framework for “no-go” zones at large events—banning individuals considered a potential security risk from accessing key areas. This complements existing administrative measures already in place since 2024. The law also allows private security agents to inspect car boots with owner consent.

Los Angeles 2028: A National Priority for U.S. Security Agencies

In the United States, preparations are progressing for the 2028 Summer Olympics and Paralympics in the greater Los Angeles area. The Games have already been designated a National Special Security Event (NSSE)—the earliest such designation ever granted. This status enables federal coordination and unlocks extensive resources across U.S. agencies, with the U.S. Secret Service acting as the lead agency for operational security planning.

The Executive Steering Committee, which convened for the first time in June 2025, brings together senior representatives from federal, state, and local law enforcement and public safety bodies. Their task is to coordinate all aspects of security, from counter-terrorism and cybersecurity to crowd control and emergency preparedness. According to the U.S. Secret Service, the early designation reflects the scale and significance of the Games and ensures that comprehensive, inter-agency planning can proceed well in advance. The approach is designed to protect athletes, spectators, and the general public, drawing on lessons from previous NSSEs while also adapting to evolving global security challenges.