Maison Suisse: a place of security
For the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris, Presence Switzerland promoted Swiss excellence through the Maison Suisse. This ambitious project required security that was equal to the venue and the expectations. fedpol rose to the challenge.
Presence Switzerland has a bold idea: to build the Maison Suisse within the Swiss Embassy in Paris during the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The work requires dedication and diligence, so fedpol sends its Olympic Security Liaison Officers. For this special assignment, Patrick* and Nils* have to wear two hats to ensure international Olympic cooperation, while at the same time protecting people and buildings under federal jurisdiction.
Liaison officers, essential to security at the Olympics
For the Olympic and Paralympic Games, each participating state is granted accreditation for two Olympic Security Liaison Officers, or OSLOs. In Switzerland’s case, they provide support and advice on security issues to the Swiss representation in the host country and the Swiss Olympic head of mission. They manage security-related crisis situations and liaise with the local and international authorities involved. Depending on the situation, they devise tailor-made strategies, attend briefings in the international cooperation centre and ensure that every event, from VIP receptions to athletes’ medal ceremonies, takes place in complete safety.
Protecting the building
Nils is in charge of protecting the buildings. He takes part in all meetings with Presence Switzerland and the embassy, as ideas that come to life there have an impact on security. One such idea is the plan to locate the Maison Suisse in the embassy garden. To get to there, you have to pass through the ambassador’s residence. Nils ingeniously installs a time tunnel, which provides direct access to the garden of the ambassador’s residence, while protecting the location at the same time. Once construction of the Maison Suisse is complete, the French authorities confirm that it meets their safety standards: emergency exits, fire systems and other aspects. Everything is in order.
For their first international assignment, fedpol’s armed public security officers work closely with a private security firm to monitor visitors. They confiscate various prohibited items, some of them surprising, such as a fondue burner. Vigilant in the face of suspicious behaviour and potential risks, they intervene with sensitivity and professionalism. Their active presence also contributes to the efficient management of visitors, guaranteeing safety and the smooth running of operations.
It’s a real balancing act between welcoming the public and complying with anti-terrorist security imperatives. In this atmosphere, the Maison Suisse offers an escape. An embassy employee tells Nils that she feels safe at all times at the embassy during the Paris Games.
Cooperative games
The Ministry of the Interior and Overseas France asked participating countries for police support, and Switzerland was happy to oblige. Working closely with the cantonal police forces of Zurich, Geneva, Neuchâtel, Fribourg, Vaud, Bern and Zug, fedpol assembled a team of 17 police officers. Under the direction of the French authorities, this delegation was deployed in Paris and Lyon. In addition, fedpol set up a response team, operational 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to effectively manage any exceptional situation, in coordination with its partners.
Protecting people
While Nils is busy at the embassy, Patrick works with the local authorities to prepare for the arrival of the President of the Confederation, Viola Amherd, Federal Councillors Ignazio Cassis and Elisabeth Baume-Schneider, and the President of the National Council, Eric Nussbaumer. Coordination requires patience and flexibility. What vehicles are available? How many French police officers will accompany the Swiss VIPs? Nils also has to attend the daily general security briefing. Fortunately, he can count on the support of André, the attaché from the Federal Office of Customs and Border Security. Thanks to his local network, André is able to help the Swiss liaison officers with their preparations, security arrangements and incident management.
“As an OSLO, security and sport involves a balancing act requiring flexibility, diplomacy and composure. Long days, little time to relax, but always in the thick of things at this global event.”
Nils, specialised security advisor and Patrick, commissioner in charge of personal and property security
* Name changed