Authorities in Helsinki are making extensive security preparations for the arrival of US President Joe Biden, which takes place next week on Thursday, 13 July.
The extent of the security operations will require additional police officers. Some of those will be provided by departments in other parts of the country, including dozens of officers from the Central Finland Police Department, according to chief inspector Ismo Nykopp.
"During the visit, there will be a need for police officers carrying out both normal and specialised duties. We have experts for both," Nykopp explained.
The chief inspector did not reveal the exact numbers of officers headed to assist the Helsinki Police Department.
He said that officers will head to Helsinki ahead of Biden's arrival, in order to prepare for the events. Nykopp noted that there will not be a shortage of police officers in Central Finland and the Pirkanmaa region.
"Despite everything involved, normal police shifts have been filled [in the region]. Although it was a bit of a challenge during vacation time in July," Nykopp explained.
Biden is scheduled to head to Finland right after attending the Nato Summit in Vilnius. The US president will be hosted by his Finnish counterpart, President Sauli Niinistö.
The two leaders are scheduled to hold at least one bilateral meeting during the visit.
Biden is also scheduled to attend a Nordic summit with the prime ministers of Sweden, Norway and Denmark, according to the Finnish president's office.
