Worldwide intelligence gathering has been a major Olympics priority since security planning began in 1979. The planning committee intends to use some 5,000 private security guards during the Games. To determine security requirements, planners studied past games in Munich, Montreal, and Moscow, as well as the Pan American Games. Some security experts consider the Games a nightmare, with major events being held in facilities which were not designed with security in mind. Further, some athletes will be traveling by bus up to 60 miles a day. Another security consideration is athlete housing. More than 14,000 athletes will be staying in dormitories at Southern California universities. The Olympic Committee will be responsible for security at these facilities. Some countries will bring their own guards. The biggest problems at all Olympic functions will probably turn out to be traffic and medical aid. Research done at the Knoxville World's Fair indicated that a large number of people sought medical assistance for everything from sprained ankles to sunstroke. Cities hosting the Games in the past have discovered a decline in serious crime and a corresponding rise in the incidence of petty crimes such as pickpocketing and illegal peddling. Private security, while playing an important role, will not be armed. These private police will wear special uniforms and receive special training for their role as adjunct to law enforcement personnel. Sidebars discuss the area of the Games, the organization of security, Federal agency involvement, the Los Angeles Police Department, and technology benefits.