von Tessa Mellinger
27 February 2019
WINTER
A behind-the-scenes look at the World Cup: Operations center of the police directorate
They are the men and women who ensure a safe and smooth operation of the World Cup behind the scenes: Up to 400 officers are on duty daily during the World Cup. We were allowed an exclusive insight into the "hallowed halls" of the operations center and to learn more about the work of the police.
We are visiting the operations center in Reith near Seefeld. Operations commander Gerhard Niederwieser gives us an insight into their daily work during the World Championships. "So far, we are completely satisfied with the course of the World Championships in Seefeld!", he reveals. Between 200 and 400 officers are on duty daily, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Their area of operation is quite broad. "Our work ranges from large-scale traffic services and traffic information to everything else at the event location. We manage the flow of visitors, even during the filling and emptying of the stadium. Every day, about 25,000 visitors are on the move in Innsbruck city and Seefeld, with daytime events and in the evening. We need to ensure that there are no bottlenecks and personal injuries. Here we work closely with the private security service of the organizer; the cooperation works excellently. Additionally, the event venues must be regularly searched for explosives, hazardous materials, and so on, so that the event can be approved in time. Another area is the criminal police field: VIPs, prominent individuals, and royal families such as the Swedish and Norwegian must be given personal protection." But regardless of the World Cup: "The normal operations continue alongside. It's important that all other areas function smoothly as always, not least the regular professional and commuter traffic that needs to be managed daily.
The biggest challenge: The weather
Actually, the weather for the World Cup could hardly have been more perfect: Most of the time, there was brilliantly blue sky and mild temperatures. A blessing for the fans – but less so for the police. "The weather was almost too good, it was too warm for the parking lots," reveals Josef Schreier, the official operations leader and deputy district chief. The previously established parking lots were flooded by melting snow, making them unusable. "It was the biggest challenge to create alternative parking lots." But this challenge was also well managed: A substitute parking lot was quickly found. "We are confident that the parking lots we currently have will be sufficient," says Schreier.
"The fans are very inventive!"
"Have there already been many incidents at our World Cup in Seefeld?" we ask curiously. The opposite is true – it is a peaceful and atmospheric World Cup. "There have been a few drunk people," reveals Josef Schreier. Hannes Niederwieser adds: "And there have been a few missing persons, all of whom have been found again." Hannes Mader, commander in Seefeld, also says: "We are very satisfied given the size of the event! We were well prepared and everything is running smoothly." The men even praise the fans, especially those from the far North: "Everyone who has already followed the event on television and other platforms has seen that they are very original fans, who are quite creative – especially with their costumes!" Niederwieser is delighted.
"They are very peaceful and easy-going people, the atmosphere is great and they are also very patient. They are, without exception, nice people who continue to have fun in the Nordic Mile after the competitions and find their way home late at night." This is how the mood is relaxed at the police: "There are many friendly encounters with the people! We have about 15,000 official actions daily where we help someone, direct traffic, and so on," says Niederwieser. "But there is of course also the police duty to punish someone when necessary. Order must be maintained."
Praise for the traffic concept
A traffic concept was developed in advance to relieve the streets around Seefeld as much as possible. Fans with valid tickets can travel for free on public transport on event days, and parking spaces with shuttles to the competition venues have been set up. Once again, the police received praise: "We must thank the population for accepting the traffic management measures as we have recommended and ordered them officially," says Mader. Niederwieser is also pleased: "The traffic behavior is impressive, many people are arriving by public transport and the shuttle systems are working excellently." Mader continues: "We have very few complaints." On the contrary: "The feedback from all sides about the event and the official deployment is very positive."
Full stadiums & pure atmosphere
In the coming World Cup days, the police expect full stadiums. The last weekend will not only be a highlight in sports but will also attract many people. "We will continue to maintain and intensify all precautions. We hope for a wonderful sports festival and assume that we can manage the situation very well with the police measures!"
Animal Helper: Police Dog Nemo
The helper on four legs: Police dog Nemo supports the work of the police. Even though Niederwieser assures that he is very cuddly – one definitely doesn't want to mess with Nemo...!
Photo: Stepan Claus, Chief Inspector; Wolfgang Ostheimer, Lieutenant Colonel; Michael Stocker, Group Inspector; Nemo, Police Service Dog
Further Links:
Seefeld 2019: All information at a glance
Interview: Laura Zobernig
Blog Tags
Share