Swiss Army
Daily Overview Security EURO 2008Daily Overview Security EURO 2008, Monday, June 02, 2008 (mic) JOINT INFORMATION SERVICE OF THE POLICE CORPS OF THE CANTON AND THE CITY OF ZURICH AND THE PROTECTION AND RESCUE FORCES OF ZURICH DURING THE EURO 2008: During the European Football Championship in June 2008, the Police Corps of the City and the Canton of Zurich operate a joint media information centre in conjunction with the Protection and Rescue Forces of Zurich. The information centre will provide the media with information around the tournament. (Source: http://www.securityeuro2008.ch) FAIRPLAY FOR ALL: Shortly before the kick-off of the EURO 2008, the responsible parties of the Canton of Thurgau are convinced that they have taken all necessary security measures. During a media conference, the Director of the Department of Justice stressed the active and early engagement of the Canton of Thurgau for the EURO 2008. “Thanks to a holiday ban, the cantonal police comprises of enough forces in order to ensure the safety and security in Thurgau” he said. “So far, no specific threats have come to our attention”, police commander Hans Baltensperger further explained. However, the cantonal police is on an elevated alert level for the whole time of the tournament, carefully observing the situation and contributing to the event with convincing work and consideration. In case of violent perpetrators, individuals behaving conspiciously, drunks and other people that threaten order and security, the cantonal police will take drastic measures. And this in a fast and decisive manner. For further information please visit http://www.kapo.tg.ch/euro08 TRAINING FLIGHTS OF THE AIR FORCE ABOVE EURO 2008 STADIUMS: The Swiss Air Force will overfly the four EURO 2008 stadiums in Bern, Zurich, Basel and Geneva for training purposes on 4 and 5 June 2008. These flights will serve as airspace training for the EURO 2008 games. (Source: http://www.securityeuro2008.ch) NOTE FOR THE PRESS: During the EURO 2008 (2nd to 26th of June 2008), the Federal Ministry of Interior in Vienna has appointed the head of the staff division of the County Police Command of Vorarlberg, first lieutenant Rainer Fitz, to act as the police liaison officer in Switzerland. First lieutenant Rainer Fitz is the point of contact for the Swiss, Austrian and the international media representatives for police matters relating to Austria. He also acts as the service point for the media. Please direct any inquiries to first lieutenant Rainer Fitz, 0043/664-2100069 or rainer.fitz@polizei.gv.at |
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Training flights of the air force above EURO 08 stadiumsThe Swiss Air Force will overfly the four EURO 08 stadiums in Bern, Zurich, Basel and Geneva for training purposes on 4 and 5 June 2008. These flights will serve as airspace training for the EURO 08 games. The planned training flights will be carried out at medium height as follows: on 4 June, between 08.00 and 10.00 hours in Bern, between 10:00 and 12:00 hours in Geneva and between 13:30 and 15:30 hours in Zurich. On 5 June, between 10:00 and 12:00 hours in Basel and between14:00 and 16:00 hours in Basel and Geneva. These flights are of great importance for the pilots with regard to airspace surveillance during the EURO 08 games. Because they do not normally fly over towns, the pilots will be obliged to adjust to the procedures, temporal aspects, visual impressions and special conditions during these few training flights. In addition, the aim is to train the specific procedures under real conditions. During the EURO 08, the Swiss Air Force will be responsible for the security of the airspace. In the normal situation the jets patrolling in the air and prepared for intervention will be neither visible nor audible at all. Under certain circumstances, however, it is conceivable that the fighter would be obliged to fly at low altitudes. This is why these practise flights are necessary.
For questions: Jürg Nussbaum, Head of Communication, Air Force, Tel 031 324 15 50
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Daily Overview Security EURO 2008Daily Overview Security EURO 2008, Sunday, June 01, 2008 (miz) BORDER GUARD CORPS OF BASLE IS READY: There are only a few days to go until the kick-off of the EURO 2008 in Basle. In this respect, the border guard corps forms the first security filter in Switzerland. Members of the border guard corps are the first national authority guests from abroad get in touch with. This may either be in air, road or rail traffic, respectively. The corresponding preparations at the major road crossings, the two border stations of Basle as well as at the EuroAirport have timely come to an end. (Source: http://www.securityeuro2008.ch) EURO 2008 - KICK-OFF FOR THE SWISS ARMED FORCES: About 10,000 members of the Swiss Armed Forces will start their security and support operations for the UEFA EURO 2008 on Monday. After joining, each member of the Swiss Armed Forces will be prepared for its task by deployment-oriented training. (Source: http://www.news.admin.ch) |
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EURO 2008: kick-off for the armed forcesBern, 01.06.2008 - For about 10,000 military personnel the kick-off will initiate the security and support operation of the armed forces on behalf of the UEFA EURO 2008. After joining, mission specific training will begin through which each individual serviceman and woman will be made fit for their mission. Advance military personnel have already been on duty since the beginning of April in support of the host cities Basel, Bern, Geneva and Zurich. They have already accomplished a total of more than 7,000 days of service primarily in assembly work. On Monday the majority of military personnel will join to serve on behalf of the 2008 European football championship. During the coming days the forces will refresh their basic knowledge and receive mission-specific training for their individual tasks. The assignments given to the armed forces by the Confederation, cantons and host cities can be roughly divided into three categories.
- Manpower: support in assembly work and dismantling, Support of the police with personnel and equipment (protective tasks, traffic control, vehicle checks), reinforcement of the Border Guard, management support as well as logistic support (medical service);
According to a federal decree the armed forces are not allowed to deploy more than 15,000 military personnel. The civil support service has been laid down for the period of 2 - 28 June. Because the overall operation will thus last for longer than the usual three week refresher course, it will be necessary to relieve some of the troops between the 16th and the 22nd of June 2008. Over this period up to 13,000 military personnel will be on duty; during the remaining weeks of the championship their number will not exceed 10,000. As part of their mission specific training over the coming days, troops will also be instructed on how to apply the rules of engagement and codes of conduct. These have been adapted for each particular assignment and coordinated with the civilian customers. These rules and codes determine among other things whether civilian facilities are to be guarded with weapons cocked. On the basis of the missions assigned to the armed forces most of the military personnel approx. 75 percent will be able to carry out their assignment unarmed. This will also serve to convey a peaceful impression in accord with a peaceful football event. Those military persons who are armed are additionally equipped with a CS gas dispenser. This will enable them to respond more flexibly and as the situation demands. The fielding of this system is planed for 2010 for the entire forces. The armed forces will not carry out law enforcement, this is the responsibility of the police. Wherever possible the troops will avoid direct contact with football fans. The directives of the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS) concerning guard assignments carried out by the military personnel shall be observed. The decision on what type of guard is applicable for militarily used facilities and infrastructure i.e. whether the weapon is to be cocked or not will be taken by the responsible military commander. As with all subsidiary military operations the civilian authorities will be responsible for their deployment at the UEFA EURO 2008. Command and control will be in the hands of the armed forces. Major General Peter Stutz, Head of the Armed Forces Joint Staff will be commander of the subsidiary operation. The majority of the troops deployed form part of the task force ground commanded by Major General Eugen Hofmeister, Commander of Territorial Region 2. The task force air is under the command of Major General Markus Gygax, Air Force Operations Chief. Ten battalions will be called up that are specialised in command support (radar, LOS, transmission and reconnaissance), three infantry battalions and two logistic battalions. In addition, there will be medical, transport, traffic and military security detachments and dog handlers, various military staffs as well as air transport and air reconnaissance assets. The armed forces will perform within a joint national security network and work in close collaboration with the civilian security agencies. Military link to the civilian authorities in the host cities are the cantonal territorial liaison staffs. Although the UEFA EURO 2008 mission is the largest operation of the armed forces, it is not the only one being carried out at this time. Other civil affairs support operations in Switzerland and abroad such as ‘AMBA CENTRO’ (protection of diplomatic installations), ‘LITHOS’ (reinforcement of the Border Guard in securing the national border), ‘TIGER’ and ‘FOX’ (flight safety) as well as operations abroad (SWISSCOY) will continue to be carried out unchanged. In addition, as during the rest of the year the armed forces keep resources ready for disaster relief operations and for mastering other incidents.
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Daily Overview Security EURO 2008Daily Overview Security EURO 2008, Friday, May 30, 2008 (mic) POLICE ALREADY ON THE JOB: The planning and preparation work of the host cities’ cantonal police corps and the other cantonal and municipal police forces with regard to the EURO 2008 is fulfilled. The security forces now step in the operational phase. For all blue-light organisations and the other forces they work with, cooperation remains the key strategy to success. Due to the holiday ban for June the fortified police presence should clearly be noticed by the public with immediate effect. (source: http://www.securityeuro2008.ch) ARMAMENT OF MILITARY FORCES: The Swiss Federal Government has commented on a respective interpellation by National Councillor Josef Lang (Green Fraction/ZG). Due to the subsidiary army operations, the decision regarding the arnament of the Swiss Armed Forces during the EURO 2008 rests with the civil authorities. The Swiss Armed Forces will not be involved in security operations. (Source: http://www.vbs.admin.ch) CRIMINAL ACTS COMMITTED BY MINORS: Unfortunately at mass rallies as the EURO 2008 individuals often use the opportunity to commit crimes. The law enforcement agencies have therefore decided to immediately take disciplinary actions against criminals in compliance with the code of criminal procedure. The immediate judgment of criminal acts concerns adults and minors. This direct reaction only allows an effective and credible intervention which avoids other noticeable problems caused by the same individual. (Source: http://www.sid.bs.ch) SECURITY-MEASURES AROUND THE “AMTSHAUS I” IN ZURICH: The Police of the City of Zurich assume responsibility for the safety and security of the people in the City of Zurich. In order to ensure full mobility and freedom of action for the police forces, several measures like barriers and traffic controls will be needed around the “Amtshaus I” at Bahnhofquai 3. (Source) RESPECT AND UNDERSTANDING: There are only a few days to go until the EURO 2008 kick-off. Therefore the Police of the City of Winterthur have launched the campaign “Winti by night - fun & respect”. The campaign calls the party people and the local residents for a respectful behaviour with each other. On the one hand, increased immissions by football enthusiastic fans will be inevitable. For a limited period of time, it needs to be counted with higher noise levels. On the other hand, not all inhabitants of Winterthur share the pleasures of football. Furthermore, many people have a need for sleep. In this sense, respect and mutual understanding are vital for a reconciliation of the diametrically opposed needs. (Source: http://www.stapo.winterthur.ch) |
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«Security EURO 2008»: Police already on the jobThe planning and preparation work of the host cities’ cantonal police corps and the other cantonal and municipal police forces with regard to the EURO 2008 is fulfilled. The security forces now step in the operational phase. For all blue-light organisations and the other forces the work together with, cooperation remains the key strategy to success. Due to the holiday ban for June the fortified police presence should clearly be noticed by the public with immediate effect. The security forces of Switzerland – 26 cantonal and over 100 communal police corps, the police bodies of the Swiss Federal Government as well as the Swiss Armed Forces which are providing their support in various matters – have prepared themselves meticulously for the EURO 2008. Together with their national and international partners they have tied a strong but flexible security net. Thereby, the main objective of all these taken security measures is to ensure the safety and comfort of the guests of the EURO 2008. In this sense, the security forces regard themselves as hosts above all. In order to assure the comfort and safety of the Swiss population and all guests the police will already be increasingly present before the EURO 2008. “The EURO has already started for us”, said Beat Hensler, President of the Conference of the Cantonal Police Commanders of Switzerland (CCPCS). Due to the decreed holiday ban for nearly all police officers in Switzerland, the police forces will be more notified by the public in every day life. As set forth in «The National Swiss Security Strategy for UEFA EURO 2008», the usual responsibilities remain fully in place during the deployment of security forces for the EURO 2008. The same holds true for the information leadership. Media support will be provided by the organisations responsible for the security operations. The UEFA EURO 2008 Public Authorities Security Sector considers its mission as fulfilled by the realised coordination before the kick-off to the EURO 2008. The Public Authorities Security Sector gets now transferred into the National Coordination Staff of Switzerland (nakos.ch) which is responsible for an interdisciplinary over all coordination if problems should occur. NAKOS comprises all relevant security forces of the host cities, the cantons the Swiss Federal Government and - if necessary - other partners. All organisations relay the national operation picture which will be updated by the Police Information and Coordination Centre (PICC) of the Swiss Federal Police Department. Beyond that the security forces are aware of the importance of establishing transparent roles, targets and measures. Due to this,, guests and the population will continuously be informed. The security forces support - whenever manageable - national and international media at their work. For this purpose, we would like to provide you with some information which may assist you in your reporting of the security measures taken for the EURO 2008.
• The document «Frequently Asked Questions» with answers to 55 questions on safety and security: http://www.switzerland.com/files/?id=7584;
In case of any requests contact:
Cmdr Beat Hensler, President of the Conference of the Cantonal Police Commanders of Switzerland (CCPCS), Phone +41 (0)41 248 80 01
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Daily Overview Security EURO 2008Daily Overview Security EURO 2008, Wednesday, May 28, 2008 (miz) DEPLOYMENT EXERCISE OF THE SECURITY FORCES IN BERNE: Together with their security partners the Police of the Canton of Berne have finalized their preparations for the EURO 2008 with two large-scale exercises. Shortly before kick-off, they have started with their operations after a long period of planning. The security and rescue organisations are confident of being capable to ensure the safety and security in the Canton of Berne during the EURO 2008. (Source: http://www.police.be.ch) VOLUNTARY VACCINATION: In Switzerland the number of infections with measles has been increasing since 2006. By offering the troops free and voluntary vaccination for the EURO 2008 mission, the Swiss Armed Forces wish to help reduce the infection risk during mass events and thus protect their troops. The measures will be implemented in concurrence with the recommendations of the Federal Office of Health. Additionally, all civil protection workers will be offered a vaccination opportunity. Together with the UEFA EURO 2008 Public Authorities Security Sector the Federal Office of Public Health has further recommended the vaccination against measles to the police corps. The vaccination would be conducted by the cantonal physicians. The objective is that all police officers, which are deployed during the EURO 2008, may undergo a voluntary and free of charge vaccination against measles. Each police corps decides upon the measures to be taken on its own. (Source: http://www.vtg.admin.ch) INFORMATION OF THE SECURITY FORCES: The planning and preparations of the «UEFA EURO 2008 Public Authorities Security Sector» with regard to the EURO 2008 have come to an end. As set forth and detailed in «The National Swiss Security Strategy for UEFA EURO 2008», the cantons and the police corps of the host cities are now responsible for the concrete implementation of the security measures. The information leadership during the deployment of the security forces lies in the hands of the police officers in charge. For their support, the Security Sector is operating a national «Media Information Centre - Security» which is accessible around-the-clock as from May 26, 2008 through June 30, 2008. (Source: http://www.securityeuro2008.ch) LARGE SCALE CIVIL PROTECTION OPERATION DURING THE UEFA EURO 2008: Together with the cantons and the four host cities the Swiss Government provides public security during the EURO 2008. The partner organisation of the Civil Protection makes a wide range of contributions. The EURO 2008 reveals that the services of the Civil Protection go far beyond what is expected from these troops in case of catastrophe and distress.(source: http://www.babs.admin.ch) PROJECT ORGANISATION PUBLIC AUTHORITIES UEFA EURO 2008: The Overall Project Co-ordination Swiss Authorities UEFA EURO 2008 will supply daily information pertaining to Switzerland during the UEFA EURO 2008. further information |
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Large scale Civil Protection operation during the UEFA EURO 2008Together with the cantons and the four host cities the Swiss Government provides public security during the EURO 2008. The partner organisation of the Civil Protection makes a wide range of contributions. The EURO 2008 reveals that the services of the Civil Protection go far beyond what is expected from these troops in case of catastrophe and distress. The EURO 2008 shall be a great, bright, untroubled festival uniting the nations. To make this possible, security has to be ensured. Therefore the protective services of the Civil Protection haven taken discreet but effective measures together with other security forces. In order to guarantee the intended interaction between the police, the emergency medical services, fire brigade and other security forces, these “blue-light-organisations” practice on the basis of a large scaled exercise around the stadium “Stade de Suisse” under the direction of the Police Corps of the Canton of Berne.
Operation- and Support-Forces go on alert
The Civil Protection renders a range of organisational and logistic support in the host cities as well as in areas with large public viewing zones. It provides the needed forces in order to support the other protective services promptly and efficiently, if required. Overall, the Swiss Federal Government has approved approximately 18’000 deployment days in the host cities on its own account. Beyond that, the responsible cantonal and communal authorities have approved further deployment days.
Federal Office for Civil Protection FOCP on duty
Likewise, the FOCP is on duty during the EURO 2008: the National Coordination Staff of Switzerland (NACOS) has assumed the leadership for danger prevention in non-police matters. FOCP makes a key contribution with regard to the information and communication management of the security forces. The National Emergency Operations Centre NEOC, as part of the FOCP, will be operating the Electronic Situation Display (ESD) during the entire course of the EURO 2008. All deployment forces shall have access to the ESD. Moreover, under the lead-management of the FOCP, the existing POLYCOM sub-networks have been connected to an overall network in view of the EURO 2008. The safety radio system POLYCOM allows the radio contact within as well as between the involved security forces. In case of any questions please contact:
Kurt Münger
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EURO 08: The Swiss Armed Forces are offering their soldiers vaccination against measlesBern, 28.05.08. In Switzerland the number of infections with measles has been increasing since 2006. By offering the troops free and voluntary vaccination for the EURO 08 mission, the armed forces wish to help reduce the infection risk during mass events and thus protect their forces. This is in agreement with the recommendations of the Federal Office of Health. The armed forces wish to help contain the number of measles cases in Switzerland. It is offering voluntary and free vaccination to military personnel involved in operations relating to the European UEFA EURO 08 football championship. Vaccination is advised for military personnel who have not been medically confirmed as having had measles during childhood or whose vaccination card lacks an entry of two inoculations against measles or measles-mumps-German measles (MMR). After inoculation, a protection against measles of approximately 95 percent is achieved already within a few days. For maximum protection, a second booster shot can be given earliest one month later, arranged on a private basis. Military commanders will inform joining forces on the possibility of voluntary and free measles vaccination within the context of the military operation on behalf of the UEFA EURO 2008. The medical necessity of vaccination will be determined by the military doctor on the basis of (civilian) vaccination cards and brief consultations with the conscripts. Vaccination will be administered locally at medical wards and surgeries. The vaccination option for troops and persons liable for military service not involved in the EURO 08 mission will be assessed on the basis of how the measles situation develops.
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Army services to be provided on behalf of the EURO 2008Berne - At a press conference, Benedikt Weibel, Delegate of the Federal Council for the EURO 2008 and Division Commander, Peter Stutz, Commander in Chief of Army Operational Headquarters, together with the Head of Police and Military for the Canton of Berne, Han-Jürg Käser, presented the roles and concrete deployment concept of the armed forces within the scope of the EURO 2008. They confirmed that the civil authorities will define what is to be required of the armed forces, which shall provide their subsidiary deployment accordingly. The federal government shall ensure public safety and security at the EURO 2008 together with the cantons and the four host cities. The manpower available among the police forces and private security services are insufficient to meet this challenge. The Swiss Parliament therefore has approved the deployment of 15,000 armed forces personnel maximum to support civil security forces during the EURO 2008. Their area of responsibility shall extend from the protection of objects, to construction and demolition tasks and to aerial reconnaissance flights. The armed forces shall supply these services in a subsidiary manner. The civil authorities shall remain in charge of the deployment. “We want to celebrate the EURO 2008 as a festival and do not wish to erect a fortress!” In accordance with this motto, the security forces will be present during the EURO, but shall remain in the background. The Rules of Engagement have been determined by the civil authorities together with the armed forces. The objective of the police and army deployment is to ensure the trouble-free conducting of the EURO 2008 and to undertake appropriate security precautions. The Canton of Berne Councilman, Hans-Jürg Käser, pointed out that the armed forces will not perform any crowd control services. “I am convinced that the cooperation between the civil authorities, the police and the army will function well and in accordance with the assignment.” “This event is a real plus for the armed forces,” stated Division Commander Peter Stutz. The EURO 2008 offers the military an excellent opportunity to practice cooperation with its civil partners on all levels and to exercise an authentic co-command over a period of several weeks. The EURO 2008 represents a unique opportunity that will be unlikely to present itself to Switzerland again in this form in the coming decades. Switzerland is viewed internationally as a reliable, punctual and friendly nation and now has the opportunity to confirm and strengthen its reputation during the EURO 2008.
For inquiries: Barbara Meier
UEFA EURO 2008 Public Authorities Project Organisation website
Armed Forces civil support service for EURO 08
Tip: In the early evening of 10th April, fresh photos of the first soldiers deployed on behalf of the EURO 2008 will be available on the armed forces website. It is planned that the image agency Keystone will provide photos of this first deployment.
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