Brazil ropes in 157,000 security agents for World Cup

157,000 agents have been summoned to ensure the World Cup is safely conducted

Rio de Janeiro, May 27 (IANS) The Brazilian government has roped in some 157,000 security agents to ensure the smooth conduct of the FIFA World Cup that will be held June 12-July 13.

The government has spent 1.9 billion reais ($855,000) to provide security for the World Cup. The security scheme is already in place and will be operational till July 18, five days after the final match, reports Xinhua.

The 157,000 security agents include officers from the local and federal police forces, the Federal Highway Police, the National Security Force, and Brazil's armed forces.

In addition, FIFA has hired 20,000 security agents who will work in the stadiums and their vicinity, as well as hotels and training centres for the 32 squads who will participate in the tournament. On an average, 900 agents will be present at every match.

The government announced Monday that Brazil is prepared to host the World Cup and will ensure security during the competition.

"We are ready to receive foreign tourists, authorities and delegations and ensure everyone's safety," said Andrei Rodrigues, Undersecretary for Large Events' Security at the Justice Ministry.

Rodrigues warned against violence and said the country is ready to deal with protests, if they occur as in the FIFA Confederations Cup last year.

"The security forces are prepared to any scenario, such as terrorist acts or violent protests. We will not tolerate any acts of vandalism, looting or destruction," he said.