Securing the G8

The Group of Eight (G8) is an international forum for the governments of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States. The European Commission is also represented at all the meetings. Together, these countries represent more than half of the world economy. It is one of the most important forums for dealing with global issues.

Today, G8 summits are still the climax of the annual presidency of each state. The range of issues under discussion now covers the whole spectrum of global politics. Foreign and security policy and development issues are discussed in addition to economic matters. The forum has launched a large number of global initiatives, including the campaign against world poverty.

The G8 summit brings together the eight heads of state of the different governments. During the summit discussions are held and decisions are taken about the world's most pressing problems, including climate change, proposals for aid to Africa and what to do about Iran's nuclear program, to name but a few. In 2007, the annual meeting of the heads of government was presided by Germany. It took place in the Baltic resort of Heiligendamm, close to Hamburg.

Needless to say that a summit which brings together the heads of state of the eight most important economic powers requires the highest level of security. Not all the decisions taken at the G8 summits are welcomed with enthusiasm by everyone. Protesters try to block the entrance to the conference and try to gain access themselves to the conference grounds. Not to mention the possible threat of a terrorist attack on the premises. Presidents, Prime Ministers and their staff need to be protected against these hazards at all times.

The installation of Siemens included eleven daylight cameras mounted on a Pan/Tilt mechanism, twenty two FLIR Systems SR-35 thermal imaging cameras and 8 mobile FLIR Systems FlashSight thermal imaging cameras.

The twenty-two FLIR Systems SR-35 thermal imaging cameras were installed along the security fence. They were securing the area in front of the fence and were making sure that no one could approach the fence, or even worse climb it. The thermal imaging cameras overlooked the area 24 hours a day.

Thermal imaging helps secure the area

Security preparations for the G8 summit were initiated one and a half years before the event by the Interior Ministry of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. One of the companies contacted was Siemens Building Technologies in Rostock. The company was asked to deliver and install all video and other electronic security devices needed for a safe conference.