Surveillance cameras planned for Tammerinpuisto after rise in drug activity

Parents have been advised to avoid the park beneath Hotel Tammer after repeated disorder, drug sales and public intoxication. Mayor Ilmari Nurminen announced the city will add surveillance cameras to Tammerinpuisto; planning is due early next year and installation is targeted for next summer, Tamperelainen reports.

The city will handle technical planning and financing, with police advising on surveillance needs and suitable camera locations to close existing blind spots. The measures form part of a wider package. It includes stepped-up cleaning and maintenance, placement of safe disposal bins for used paraphernalia, repositioning benches and other seating, and bolstered outreach work.

Officials also want to diversify the park’s daytime and evening use by increasing events, cultural activities and community programming, encouraging a positive presence around the clock. The downtown safety development group will make the park package a main topic at its meeting on 10 November.

The move follows earlier warnings that parents should keep children away from Tammerinpuisto after a rise in vandalism and drug activity the paper's October warning and an advisory in September urging parents to avoid the park after repeated disturbances September advisory.