Police prepare for G20 security challenge

Dr Ashutosh Misra says it would be a disaster should a breach of security occur at next year's G20 in Brisbane

Next year’s G20 summit of world leaders in Brisbane poses a massive security challenge for police, says a Griffith University expert.

Around 1500 security specialists along with thousands of Australian and New Zealandpolice will assume special duties in the lead-up to and during the G20 on November 15-16, 2014.

More than 4000 international delegates and 3000 journalists are expected to attend. However, Dr Ashutosh Misra said it was the anticipated pressure of an estimated 5000 protesters that would have the greatestimpact onsecurity measures and police powers.

More on the Brisbane G20 Summit and Griffith University

Dr Misra, an Associate Investigator with Griffith’s ARC Centre of Excellence in Policing and Security (CEPS), said extra powers being sought for Queensland Police during the summit were in order to ensure and maintain high security.

“Steel fencing will also be placed around the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre and residents will be provided with a pass system that will allow them to enter to and from South Bank,” Dr Misra said.

He said police were planning to negotiate with protesters before they arrived to prevent any violent behaviour.

“Police are well trained to detain protesters in the safest way possible,” Dr Misra said, adding that any increased police powers would end after the summit.

“The G20 is a huge opportunity for Brisbane to showcase itself to the world and so it would be a disaster if a breach of security happened.”