Interior Minister Karner Reassures Ahead of the Start of the Ski World Championships in Saalbach-Hinterglemm

"However, since October 2023, there has been an increased threat scenario and a terror alert level four out of five in Austria," said Interior Minister Gerhard Karner (ÖVP) with regard to the Alpine Ski World Championships in Saalbach-Hinterglemm. The clear goal is "safety and protection" for spectators, athletes, staff, and not least the local population.

Ski World Championships: Around 300 Police Officers on Duty Daily

"Major sporting events always pose challenges for the police and security forces. In preparation, but especially during the event itself," Karner said at a press conference. A total of around 300 police officers will be on duty daily - if necessary, reinforced by additional forces. As security measures, the Interior Minister mentioned today, for example, the monitoring of the event areas and the fan mile, daily explosive checks by dogs in the finish stadium or access and personal checks. The Rapid Response Forces (SRK), the Criminal Service, bodyguards, Cobra, the Air Police, drone pilots and the Alpine Police will also be on duty from the police side.

Two Operation Rooms for Police at Ski World Championships

The threads come together in an operation room at the State Police Directorate in Salzburg, and there is also a staff room with representatives of all emergency organizations directly at the finish stadium in Hinterglemm. "Decisions can be made quickly and above all coordinated there," emphasized the Salzburg State Police Director Bernhard Rausch on Friday. Images and data from the track, the finish stadium and the events are transmitted live to the two operation rooms. "We reassess the security situation every day and adjust the measures accordingly," explained Rausch. "There are many scenarios - and many contingency plans." A focus of the police during the Ski World Championships is on traffic control. Rausch recommended visitors to travel by public transport or to use the large park-and-ride car park at the entrance to the Glemm Valley in Maishofen.

(APA/Red)

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