Backstage in Berlin part three: the head of security, Gerfried Lindner

In our third and final feature focused on the people behind the scenes at the Berlin World Championships, spikesmag.com speaks to Head of Security, Gerfried Lindner.

How did you come to be in this job? What essential skills do you need?

Well, I am a 1946-er and so still in the smart age of 62. I was a member of the Police President’s Staff in Berlin for a long time and was responsible for the operating affairs. I retired two years ago as senior superintendent. In 2007 my family and I were cruising in the Baltic Sea and I got a call from the Secretary’s Staff – I was requested to undertake the task of security management as part of the Berlin Organizing Committee, which was ordered by the IAAF to prepare the World Championships 2009. With my wife's approval I started my task in December 2007.

What are your major responsibilities at this World Championships?

My tasks are arranging and scheduling the security of the games, athletes and delegation members, the stadium, the training compounds, team hotels and the sport events in the public area of the city. All of my work needs to be in cooperation with public safety authorities. Fortunately, I have a former Intendent of the Berlin Police as a co-worker close by my side.

What are the biggest challenges of the job?

Time and information management in an extraordinary organisation.

Can you describe an average day? How busy does it get?

Well, there is no such thing as an average day and the amount of hours can not be counted. Each day is a new challenge: on the one hand I’m communicating with the different BOC departments and on the other hand I’m communicating with the Berlin Police and other public authorities, which fortunately I still know very well.

Are you a big fan of athletics?

I am interested in all athletics events but I don't have a favourite. My heart belongs to the sea. As former Commander of the River Police Department in Berlin, I use each opportunity I get to sail on Berlin’s rivers and marvellous lakes. Whenever possible, I like to go cruising the Baltic Sea. It takes me only four days to get there from the homeport in Berlin.

When the championships themselves are on, what will you be doing? Will you be able to watch any of the events?

I am the security manager, commanding a civil security service, ordered by the BOC so I assume there won't be much time left to enjoy the events!

What are the particular challenges of having the marathon and race walk in another part of the city?

Well it requires months of preparation. Blocking race routes for several hours a day will be tough. It’s important to respect public traffic and local residents’ interests. We’re expecting nearly a million spectators so we have to protect the race routes, especially the start areas. But races and events in the city will pass the sporting idea from the stadium into public areas – it will offer the opportunity to broadcast Berlin and its historical sights around the world.

What are your plans once the championships are over?

I intend to thank my wife for her support and apologise for the missed opportunities. I will then retire again to cruise the Baltic Sea with her.

If you enjoyed this spikesmag.com feature, then you'll also enjoy these ones:

Backstage in Berlin part one: the media manager, Stefan Thies
Backstage in Berlin part two: the CEO, Heinrich Clausen
Backstage with the Pete Tong of athletics: the stadium DJ