Police to monitor end of school-term weekend

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, said the Helsinki Police in a press release on Thursday.

The target of the monitoring 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,” said Chief Inspector Johanna Sinivuori.

“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,” said Sinivuori.

The police advised young people to take care of each other and to immediately seek help if anything unfortunate takes place while celebrating.