London Riots: What Does This Mean for the 2012 Olympics?

As the world watches day three of the London riots, some are now burning with questions about the safety of the 2012 Summer Olympics.

With reports that the third night of violence has been the worst yet, the International Olympic Committee has assured the public that next year's games will be safe.

"Security at the Olympic Games is a top priority for the IOC. ... It is, however, directly handled by the local authorities, as they know best what is appropriate and proportionate. We are confident they will do a good job in this domain," an IOC spokesperson said in a statement.

The London Organizing Committee echoed the assertion Tuesday.

"A lot of detailed work has taken place regarding security plans for the games, and we will continue to review them together with the [Metropolitan] Police and the Home Office over the coming year," a LOCOG representative told Bloomberg News.

In a statement issued on the Metropolitan Police Web site, Commander Simon Foy said officials have collected numerous tips that will aid them in making further arrests.

"Those who have or intend to go out and commit violent, criminal acts should be warned. We will have photographs and evidence that will use to identify you and bring you to justice. ... Today we are releasing the first of many, many images of people we will be speaking to in connection with the scenes of violence," Foy said.

Several images and descriptions of people rioting in West Norwood and Croydon have already been posted in a section called "Disorder Suspects Wanted" on the police Web site.

Since the first day of the London riots, which began Saturday in the neighborhood of Tottenham, nearly 6,000 officers have been on the streets. More than 40 of them have been injured, including one with broken bones and another with a severe eye injury, the Met. Police announced Tuesday night.

Also on Tuesday, the English Football Association cancelled an exhibition soccer game between England and Holland that had been scheduled for Wednesday at Wembley stadium.

"Following the events in Greater London, the FA has this morning held discussions with the Metropolitan Police, the Government and Brent Council. ... The authorities have advised us that under the terms of our safety certificate we are unable to host the fixture, or guarantee the safety of visiting supporters or the teams. For these reasons the game cannot go ahead," according to a statement posted on the FA Web site.

Women's beach volleyball, however, was another story.

It was business as usual for the VISA FIVB Beach Volleyball International, a test event for the 2012 Olympics. Athletes gathered at the Horse Guards Parade venue, but seats were half-full. While the Horse Guards Parade can hold up to 10,000 spectators, many patrons were seen giving away their tickets in the wake of the riots, according to The Guardian.

Horse Guards Parade happens to be just steps away from Prime Minister David Cameron's residence at No. 10 Downing Street.

The volleyball competition is scheduled to conclude Sunday.

In February 2010, more than 16,000 officers were employed to work at the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver, Canada. This elite group included 6,200 police, 5,000 Canadian military and 4,800 private security personnel. The 2010 Olympics proceeded without any major riots or disruptions, according to an October report released by the Vancouver 2010 Integrated Security Unit.

While numbers have not been released regarding security personnel, the British Security Industry Association has set up a "dedicated London 2012 lead" that will work to secure sites including Olympic Park, where most of the games will take place in less than one year.

"We have a robust safety and security strategy. The testing of our plans, structures and responses to ensure they can deal with any incident is vital. It is important we learn lessons ahead of the games. ... I want to reassure everyone that with a year to go, we will leave nothing to chance in our plans to deliver a Games that London, the UK and the whole world will enjoy," Home Secretary Theresa May said in July.

The 2012 Olympic Summer Games in London are scheduled to run from July 27 through Aug. 12, 2012. The Paralympic Summer games will start on Aug. 29, 2012.