Olympic background checks total half a million

background checks on workers. So far only 100 applications for accreditation to perform or work during the games have been turned down, with most of the rejections made over concerns about criminal records held by the applicants.

However, some were denied accreditation on the advice of the Security Services over concerns they posed a risk to national security. A Home Office spokesman said: “We are undertaking stringent checks on all those seeking accreditation. This rigorous process has been designed to ensure those working at the Games are fit to do so.  We will leave nothing to chance in our aim to deliver a safe and secure Games that London, the UK and the whole world will enjoy.” The security vetting process, which began in October last year, is now two-thirds complete and is believed to be the biggest operation of its kind since the Second World War. MI5 has been inspecting potential Games workers including about 10,000 security guards as well as the 10,5000 competing athletes, coaches and other officials from more than 200 competing nations. The 70,000 volunteers recruited by the London Organizing Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (Locog) have also been screened. MI5 and Scotland Yard have looked closely at anyone with a criminal record and those who have come to their attention in the past. But while the main Olympic Park will be protected by the biggest peacetime security operation ever seen in Britain, it has been reported that senior security officials have become concerned that other less well protected sites around the country could also become targets.  ]]>