Athens Olympics organisers (ATHOC) have turned to Sydney's security chief Peter Ryan to head up operations in the build-up to the Games in 2004.

The former UK policeman, who recently resigned as New South Wales police commissioner, agreed in late April with ATHOC to reprise the role he played at the last Olympics and come up with a comprehensive strategy to meet new security demands.

New security environment

Athens faces intense pressure over security in the wake of the September 11 attacks in the US and the continued activities of domestic terrorist group November 17.

Olympic security budgets have sky-rocketed in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on the US and the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City witnessed unprecedented security measures throughout the events.

The appointment followed calls during an April inspection by Denis Oswald, IOC overseer for the 2004 Games, for a full security plan.

Calls for comprehensive planning

"Some aspects have not been properly covered so far... For example, security in public transport, underground, the trains," said Oswald.

The former security advisor to the British royal family will head up operations expected to include up 30,000 police officers but legal authority will remain with the Greek police force.

"Mr Ryan will cooperate with the responsible authorities in accordance with (legal) statutes."

ATHOC maintained during the IOC's April visit that private security firms would be hired but purely in consultancy roles in accordance with the constitution.

Ryan has remained a security advisor to the IOC since Sydney and was present at the Winter Games in Salt Lake City in that role.