How we ensure your security
The objectives of the police have been clearly defined
- Trouble-free
games and comprehensive
protection of
the event
- Providing security of all spectators, participants
and officials during arrival and departure, and
during their stay in Austria and Switzerland
- Providing security and protection of all
individuals and facilities
We pursue these objectives by means of
1.
Well-trained police officers
2. Prevention
3. Friendly police – firm action
4. Enhanced CID measures
5. International cooperation
6. International information
hub
7. Cooperation with our partner
Switzerland
8. Border controls
9. Transport strategies
10. Stadium safety and security
11. Recommendations for private
organisers
12. Coordination of crisis
and disaster
management
13. Setting up a special Call-Center,
as of
mid-May
1. Well-trained police-officers
We want everybody to feel safe. To this end, about 27,000 police officers
– these include operational units, WEGA, EKO-Cobra, and riot police.
All police officers and members of emergency organisations have been
specifically trained for the European Football Championship. Great importance
has been attached to organisational and legal issues, crowd psychology,
and language skills.
2. Prevention
Prevention is the best way towards a peaceful football festival. To
this end, the police cooperate with numerous organisations involved
in the security and safety of the EURO 2008, such as the
- the OEBB (Austrian Federal Railways),
e.g. in form of training courses for OEBB
staff members,
- the airports – separate EURO 2008-terminals,
separated check-in and check-out of fans and
other travellers, special operational concepts,
- the private fan support programme “FairPlay“
to provide fan information with the assistance
of the Federal Ministry of the Interior,
- the UEFA, especially with respect to stadium
security, accreditation, ticketing, and private
security companies,
- the Austrian Chamber of Trade and Commerce
by giving presentations and consultations,
in particular for the hotel and catering business
and retailers)
3. Friendly Police – Firm Action
During the EURO 2008, the so-called “3-D-Philosophie“ will
be applied. What does this mean?
First Stage: Dialogue
The police will be present at all EURO 2008-venues, will be polite,
friendly and helpful. The officers provide assistance and support to
guests and spectators, should they have questions or problems.
Second Stage:
De-escalation
In case of minor conflicts and disturbances of the public peace and
order, the police will take de-escalating measures, such as establishing
identity of the individuals concerned.
Third Stage: Determination (drastic measures)
If dialogue and de-escalation do not resolve the situation, the police
will take firm action to restore order and security.
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4. Enhanced C.I.D.*-measures
(* Criminal Investigation Division)
As it is the case at all major events, the Criminal Investigation Department
of the Austrian police will also during the European Football Championship
take targeted measures. There will also be increased police presence
at railway stations, shopping malls, and in the Public-Viewing areas.
5. International Cooperation
International cooperation present a vital element of the preparations.
The Federal Ministry of the Interior has concluded agreements with all
competing and neighbouring countries on close cooperation in the fields
of fan escorting, fan monitoring, personnel support, fast exchange of
information, and transit control.
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6. International Information Hub
The so-called PICC - Police Information Coordination Center will be
established in Vienna and in Bern for the duration of the EURO 2008.
The PICC serves as information hub where all relevant information from
Austria and from abroad is collected, assessed, forwarded, and disseminated.
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7. Cooperation with our Partner Switzerland
The cooperation between Austria and Switzerland was excellent right
from the beginning. The security concepts and strategies of the two
countries are based on uniform standards and procedures in order to
provide maximum security in both countries.
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8. Border Controls
Based on the lessons learnt during the FIFA World Cup 2006 in Germany,
border controls will be re-installed temporarily. Situation-dependent
border controls are to prevent potentially violent fans from entering
Austria.
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9. Traffic/Transport Concept
During the EURO 2008, an increase in traffic volume is expected, especially
on motorways and highways from the border to the host cities, in the
host cities, and on the routes from the airports to the host cities.
A traffic concept has been devised by the Federal Ministry of Transport,
Innovation and Technology, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry
of the Interior, for coping with this challenge. Further information
can be found under http://www.euro2008.com.
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10. Stadium Safety and Security
Everything has been done to ensure stadium safety and security. The
Ministry of the Interior was involved in the planning of new and in
the remodelling of the existing stadia. Hence, all stadia are equipped
with control rooms, command centres and CCTV-systems. During the matches,
stewards of private security services will deployed. However, should
the need arise, the police will intervene in accordance with the '3D-philosophy'
(dialogue, de-escalation, determination).
11. Recommendations for Private Organisers
Not everybody will have the chance to watch the games live in the stadia.
Many will therefore watch the tournament on video-walls at so-called
Public-Viewing events. As with all private events, the organisers are
primarily responsible for safety and security. The Federal Ministry
of the Interior has come up with special recommendations for the organisers
and actively offered assistance (see „Organisers
and Tradespeople“)
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12. Coordination of Crisis and
Disaster Management
Arrangements have also been made for extra-ordinary incidents. Crisis
and disaster management is within the jurisdiction of the federal provinces.
The Ministry of the Interior exercises a coordinating function. The
federal provinces and the Ministry of the Interior are well prepared
for a crisis or disaster, they have made risk analyses and laid down
clear procedures.
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13. Call Center
As of mid-May, a Call Center will become operative. The centre will
be manned 24/7. Competent agents will answer calls by individuals asking
for information on police-related questions.
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