The Norwegian Police Directorate has decided that personnel across the country will be temporarily armed to ensure that various events and larger public gatherings are held on the National Day.
May 17 is a day that brings together most of the Norwegian people for various events. As this will happen across the country, it was decided to ensure uniform police preparation practices on that day, says Police Director Benedicte Bjørnland.
Police districts evaluate what measures should be taken at different events. Police personnel working in connection with the children's train "barnetoget" will be armed on a temporary basis. However, it is up to the individual police chiefs to make a local assessment and prioritize the use of police personnel in this work. It is planned that the armament will not be any more visible than is deemed necessary.
The threat picture remains unchanged
- Even if there is no specific threat, speed of police response is believed to be important in ensuring the best possible preparedness. This is something we take seriously by making sure we are well prepared for the day, explains Bjørnland.
The police cooperate in the usual way with both the organizers and the communes in the field of security of various events. Both uniformed and non-uniformed policemen will be present and will work to ensure that children and adults have a safe and enjoyable celebration.
– We who work in the police will make every effort to ensure that the 17th maja was a great event. We encourage everyone to celebrate National Day as usual, Bjørnland concludes.
Norwegian National Day on May 17 (Grunnlovsdagens i Norge), is celebrated in memory of Constitution adopted in Eidsvoll on May 17, 1814.
Here you will find information on how the festival will be held in Oslo
Source: Politiet
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