Man is checked by the x-ray device. (Guagnzhou Daily)
A car is scrutinized by a police officer. (Guagnzhou Daily)
New security measures were implemented in Guangzhou on September 1, which include the systematic check of all vehicles entering the city. According to Guangzhou Police, these road checks are the "first line of defense."
At one checkpoint in Panyu, around 40 police officers are on duty and are assisted with x-ray devices, vehicle identification systems, high-tech surveillance systems and other hand held devices such as metal detectors and mirrors to search under the vehicles.
Each vehicle shall be scrutinized by six officers overseen by an armed police officer. But the method is slow and only 80 vehicles can be checked each day. The police concede it is slow, but believe it is the most effective way to guarantee Guangzhou's security.
Other security measures for the upcoming Asian Games:
All postal and express services shall register the information of both consignors and items shall go through another security check before being delivered.
Anyone wanting to buy kitchen knives or other large cutting tools will have to visit designated shops and present identity documents. Buyers will be registered by police.
Every vehicle entering Guangzhou will go through a security check. The Guangzhou Traffic Police remind drivers to always carry their ID cards, driving & vehicle licenses. The police shall check both the passengers in the vehicle and the goods they carry.
2000 CCTV cameras will be set-up at Baiyun International Airport ahead of the Asian Games. Some cameras can monitor areas up to 5km away and trace car number plates at up to 2km away. Over 2000 armed security police and 40 police dogs shall guard the airport, setting up a complete physical containment barrier.
Double security checks will be required. Before the normal security checks at the terminal boarding gates, passengers will go through an additional check when accessing the airport itself. This additional security check will be performed on every tourist and member of staff arriving at Baiyun International Airport.
(By Robert Wang, David Keyton)
