The school year will end with the traditional festivities on 30 June 2026. The police will be on hand during this busy weekend to ensure that everything goes smoothly and safely.
Officers will patrol areas that are popular among young people, including parks and beaches, as well as the playgrounds of daycare centres and schools. Active surveillance will be conducted in cooperation with social services and youth services.
As in previous years, the police are prepared to remove young people from park areas after dark if there are large numbers of intoxicated individuals present and the number of disturbances increases. The police always have a justified reason for clearing people out of parks and public spaces. The aim is to prevent disorder, accidents and young people becoming victims of crime.
Celebrations will be kept safe
In previous years, the final weekend of the school year has generally gone smoothly and the atmosphere has been light-hearted. However, some places have become less safe after nightfall, with thousands of minors present at the same time.
“We would like to remind everyone, just as we do on May Day, that young people must not have knives or fireworks with them at celebrations. As far as minors are concerned, there must also be zero tolerance for intoxicants. We hope that parents will remain vigilant and aware of where their children are spending time," says Inspector Juri Pakarinen of the Helsinki Police Department.
Guardians of minors are advised to answer calls from unknown numbers during the evening and at night, as the call may be from an authority.
In previous years, the police have regularly been informed of incidents in which, for example, fireworks have been set off in crowds.
“In busy areas, such as Hietaniemi Beach and Kaivopuisto Park, the police have had to intervene in fights and disturbances. The police are not there to stop young people from celebrating or enjoying their evening, but it is our job to make sure that no one becomes a victim of crime or is seriously injured," says Inspector Pakarinen.
Surveillance will focus on alcohol, drugs and knives
The police will intervene in underage drinking, and inspections will begin in the early evening at the most popular party spots. The police will intervene in underage drinking by confiscating alcoholic beverages from minors. If the police find alcohol on a minor, they can issue a fine and notify the guardian and child welfare authorities. In addition to the possession of alcohol, other key enforcement priorities include narcotics and bladed weapons.
The police have no specific indications that young people are carrying knives more often than before. However, the perception is that if a person is carrying a knife, they may also be willing to use it.
“Disputes can have irreversible consequences that an impulsive perpetrator may not consider beforehand. That is why it is extremely important for parents to be aware of what their children have with them," Inspector Juri Pakarinen says.
Many responsible adults will be out and about in the city at night
On Saturday, the police and emergency medical services will be available for young people, along with youth workers and volunteers, such as the Finnish Red Cross, Operaatio Saapas, and the City of Helsinki’s Youth Services. All these people will be on hand to ensure that young people have a safe evening and that help is always close by. In an emergency, always call 112.
“The most important thing is to remember to look out for your friends and ask for help when you need it. The police would like to congratulate everyone who is finishing school and wish them a great start to the summer," Pakarinen concludes.
