Interior Ministry contributed to GP success

Manama, Apr.19 (BNA): The Ministry of Interior was among the state organisations involved in the remarkable success of Formula One Bahrain Grand Prix thanks to the leadership’s support and patronage. The Interior Ministry prepared early for the major international event by studying and providing training for the security plans. Interior Minister Lieutenant-General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al-Khalifa oversaw all preparations, security services and emergency and alternative plans for a swift response, whenever required. There was a strong security presence which imparted a sense of security among all Bahrainis, residents and visitors attending the event. The Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) was a model of security owing its thorough cooperation with the Interior Ministry. There was nothing unusual about this as police had acquired expertise to handle the event over the last 11 years. The Interior Ministry coordinated with the F1 organisers on the security arrangements inside the BIC as well as in regulating the entry and participation in the event’s activities. Police were deployed and community police personnel were assigned to all areas of the BIC to coordinate and cooperate with the public. An operations room was also allocated at the BIC that incorporated all the Interior Ministry’s departments concerned for a fast decision-making. Police were also deployed along all the main roads leading to the BIC. The General Directorate of Traffic took steps to ensure a smooth traffic along all the roads. Besides securing the event, the Interior Ministry took part in F1 activities, in which the representatives of various departments highlighted their duties and missions, in addition to the latest services and devices to ensure the security of the public. The Police Band also took part by performing some national songs.