In 2022, Birmingham hosted the 22nd edition of the Commonwealth Games. The second largest sporting event of its type in the world, the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games brought together athletes from 72 nations and territories to participate in 280 medal events across 19 sports and 8 para-sports.

With an event of such a grand scale, the Organising Committee had to achieve a safe and secure event for all involved. To achieve this, they sought a security equipment provider that would be able to deliver the required equipment to 22 separate venues, complete installation in time for the start of Birmingham 2022 and work with other suppliers to meet full training and service needs.

“Our objective was to deliver a safe and secure games,” explained Nick Knight, Director of Security for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. “But while we needed a security posture that responded to the security needs of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and the national security level, we didn’t want it to be an intrusive or slow down spectators entry or enjoyment”.

To help achieve their security and operational goals, the provider of the security equipment needed to be able to provide a high volume of security equipment. After a competitive process, Smiths Detection were selected as the Official Security Equipment Provider.

“We chose Smiths Detection because of their international reputation, if you go to many airports in the world you’ll see the name Smiths Detection [on security X-ray equipment],” said Nick Knight.

Smiths Detection was able to meet the requirements and provided; 136 HI-SCAN 6040is for the screening of individuals personal items as they entered a venue; nine HI-SCAN 100100v for the screening of incoming goods and sporting equipment, two IONSCAN 600s to portable explosive detection machines; and two BioFlash Biological Identifiers to screen air samples for COVID-19.

In addition, Smiths Detection co-ordinated the training of the X-ray operators who would manage the security lanes on the day and the on-hand service support to reduce any equipment downtime.

“Smiths Detection were flexible and able to understand and respond to any unforeseen delays. They helped us ensure the security equipment programme was of the highest standard and ready on time to welcome spectators”

The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games were a resounding success with over 1.5 million tickets sold.