The Helsinki Police Department increases patrols during the end-of-school weekend

Publication date 3.6.2021 8.33 | Published in English on 3.6.2021 at 8.43
News item

The Helsinki Police Department will conduct special operations to intensely monitor the consumption of intoxicants by young people during the end-of-school weekend. The special operations will particularly focus on places where young people like to see each other, such as the parks, beaches and outdoor areas of daycare centres and schools.

The goal of these highly visible special operations is to prevent public disturbances and accidents, as well as to protect young people from crime. During the end-of-school night, the Helsinki Police Department will work together with Helsinki’s youth workers and other volunteers. In the operations, police patrols will be present in all parts of Helsinki and intervene in the use of intoxicants by minors or other situations where public order or security is at risk.

“Minors will be fined if they have any alcohol in their possession, and we will also notify their guardians and child welfare services. The police will confiscate and discard any alcohol held by minors. If the police discover any alcohol in the possession of children under 15, or if they are found to be intoxicated, they will be handed over to their guardians or social services,” says Chief Inspector Johanna Sinivuori.

Calmer behaviour and fewer disorders

“In recent years, the role of intoxicants has decreased in young people’s celebrations, and the general behaviour is not as wild as it used to be. As a result, disturbances and disorders have also decreased. Parents and young children should agree upon a common set of rules before celebrations. Parents should also contact their children in the evening,” says Sinivuori.

The Covid-19 pandemic has cast its shadow on this year and greatly affected young people’s lives. Schools have partly operated remotely, and many recreational activities have been suspended. Young people have not had many places to go to or things to do.

“The need to see friends and acquaintances and to gather in large groups is only natural, but we would like to remind everyone that it is still possible to be exposed to the coronavirus or even contract Covid-19. Let’s remember all this during the end-of-school day and follow the authorities’ recommendations and instructions. Let’s celebrate in small groups and maintain social distancing,” says Sinivuori.

The police advise young people to take care of each other and to immediately seek help if anything unfortunate takes place while celebrating. Help is available on the spot from police patrols and youth workers or by calling the general emergency number 112!

The Helsinki Police Department offers information about its monitoring operations during the end-of-school weekend on Twitter at www.twitter.com/helsinkipoliisi and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/helsinkipoliisi. Both accounts can be followed without registering in the services.

Helsinki Helsinki Police Department Law enforcement and response News en