The city as a stage for major events
There's something going on in St.Gallen. In addition to countless small events, there are also various large annual events such as the OLMA and OFFA, the St.Gallen OpenAir, the St.Gallerfest or the "Aufgetischt". Not to forget the regular home games of the FC St.Gallen or the CSIO. Thousands or even tens of thousands of people gather in St.Gallen for such events. To ensure that everything runs smoothly and security is guaranteed, not only the respective organizers but also the city police and other offices of the city administration are on site and in the background.
Heinz Bucher, neighborhood police officer in St.Gallen's city center, stands on Gallusplatz together with other city police officers, employees of the civil engineering office and the fire department as well as those responsible for the street art festival "Aufgetischt". The festival will start in a few hours. Beforehand, however, an inspection is scheduled, during which structures, clearances for emergency lanes and signaling will be checked. Unlike the St.Gallerfest, where there are many structures, there is little to check at the "Aufgetischt". The organizers are in the final spurt and are glad that no major adjustments are needed.
"We are close to the population. On the pulse of the city. That's what distinguishes us as a city police force."
Heinz Bucher, Neighborhood Police Officer City Center
Heinz Bucher also has a lot to do so shortly before the start of the festival and his phone is running hot. As head of operations for the police, he is in great demand. Deliveries for businesses must somehow be able to take place despite the large event, and the question of WC locations is always a subject of discussion right up to the end, as experience shows. Signalizations are checked and as a long-time neighborhood policeman in the St.Gallen city center, Heinz can't walk 20 meters without being approached.
"The 'Aufgetischt' is my favorite event. Street art, lots of parents with kids, hardly any drunk people and a super atmosphere during the whole three days."
Heinz Bucher, Neighborhood Police Officer City Center
In the afternoon the street art festival starts as planned. Music plays and street artists show their art in the alleys and squares. The city police are present to help with any questions. It is clear that such events generate noise. The city police receive corresponding calls and can quickly intervene due to their presence on site. In addition, small children are often lost at large events. One moment of not paying attention and the little ones are gone. Heinz Bucher and his colleagues help to ensure that the children are quickly back with their mommy and daddy.
