Helsinki to start to bring violence under control

Police presence to be increased in streets at night

print this

In an attempt to reduce the level of violence, the City of Helsinki has decided to begin to conduct special surveillance in all areas where problems typically pile up, including areas near restaurants and bars, taxi queues, the end-stops of buses, railway stations, as well as in other areas with frequent disturbances.
      Some officials and representatives from voluntary organisations may also be involved in patrolling.
      At the same time, camera surveillance in the capital will be stepped up in order to catch assailants more efficiently. In addition to the 70 fixed cameras currently used, the police are supposed to get some mobile equipment.
     
The Finnish capital is seeking moral strength in order to put an end to street violence crime, school bullying, and workplace bullying at its offices.
      ”Police alone are not able to solve these problems”, says Detective Inspector Juha Laaksonen. He believes that the police should be at the head of the cooperation of various authorities.
     
Last February, Helsinki set up six working groups to prepare a new security programme. The final reports of the working groups have been completed and are to be taken to the City Board for decision-making in due course.
      According to the reports, the most important issues are the prevention of marginalisation, accidents, street violence, and violence and abuse in close relationships, as well as the development of crisis management and the improvement of corporate security.
     
The working group on street violence demands monitoring and consistent intervention by the police in alcohol consumption in public places. The areas with an unusually high rate of violence and disturbance should be under special surveillance.
      The group involved representatives from many of Helsinki’s offices, the Police Department, the Prosecutor’s Office, Victim Support Finland, The City of Helsinki District Associations, congregations, and HelsinkiMissio.
     
As could be expected, the report indicates that the consumption of alcohol is a visible cause of street violence.
      The main causes threatening people’s daily security include crimes relating to substance abuse, and various accidents.
      A large number of various preventive methods have been recorded by the working groups.
      For example, the sales of alcohol can be monitored, staff can be trained, the current licensing practice can be adjusted.
      Alcohol must not be sold in bottles and glasses to underage and drunk customers. Licensed premises have to observe the law and to obey regulations, as well as to maintain order and security on the premises.
     
According to DI Laaksonen, the promised mobile cameras will be necessary to complement the police surveillance.
      The police command and communication centre will be able to transfer its squads according to the reports received from the field.
      The principle is that the city will acquire the equipment and the police will be in charge of the use of surveillance cameras, the screening of the film material, and the field operations.
     
Not just in Helsinki , but in all Finnish municipalities, the updating of security programmes is under way.
      As early as in 1999, the government confirmed the principles of a national crime prevention programme, while in 2008 it approved an internal security programme.
      The National Council for Crime Prevention is to give guidance to the municipalities relating to security planning.
     
     
FACTFILE
     
The working groups propose dozens of improvements
     
Personnel of the Social Services Department will be trained to recognise domestic violence.
     
The status of immigrants will be improved while multiculturalism will be fostered.
     
A project will be launched in order to prevent school bullying and to create a good study environment.
     
The services of unemployed people will be improved.
     
The housing standards in suburbs will be improved by supplementary construction. The services needed in the residential areas will be reconsidered.
     
The number of roundabouts will be increased in Helsinki.
     
Automatic speed surveillance of cars will be increased.
     
Determined measures will be taken to prevent sliippery roads and pavements, while SMS messages will be used to warn people of slippery conditions in the entire city.


Previously in HS International Edition:
  Increase in youth crime continues in Helsinki (23.3.2009)
  Helsinki to install more surveillance cameras to busy public areas (29.9.2005)

See also:
  After dark a familiar city turns into a terrifying place (3.11.2009)

Links:
  Helsinki Police Department
  Victim Support Finland
  National Council for Crime Prevention

Helsingin Sanomat