Shared responsibility for city safety and nightlife

Kraków is a safe city. This is confirmed by data from law enforcement agencies, as well as international rankings based on statistics and opinions of both visitors and residents of Kraków. On November 4, during a press conference attended by the night mayor and representatives of the police and municipal police, the most important measures being taken to make Kraków an even more friendly place to live were discussed. It was also an opportunity to summarize the holiday season in terms of safety.

As always in Kraków, the holiday season is characterized by increased activity among residents and visitors. It is also a time of intense activity for the city and uniformed services, whose goal is to ensure safety, which is a prerequisite for the development of any metropolis. The participants of the press conference agreed that this summer was calmer at night, which is the result of prevention and coordinated actions of uniformed services with the support of municipal authorities. The city authorities, treating security as one of their priority tasks, allocated PLN 700,000 to the municipal police this year for additional police patrols. Increased funds for this purpose were also allocated to the municipal police. This resulted in an increased number of patrols and, consequently, more effective maintenance of order and safety during the holiday season in Kraków.

Throughout the entire Kraków area during the holiday season, i.e., from June to September, over 28,000 police officers were assigned to duty on the city streets, of which over 2,000 were assigned to the city center, mainly Śródmieście and Kazimierz. What is most troublesome for residents are offenses related to disturbing the peace and quiet, as well as those resulting from violations of the Act on Upbringing in Sobriety and Counteracting Alcoholism, i.e., consuming alcohol in prohibited places,” notes Łukasz Stankiewicz, deputy commander of the municipal police.

“Between June 1 and September 30, the municipal police carried out 17 intensified operations in District I (the Old Town) as part of the ‘Safe Street’ campaign. A total of 371 officers took part in the patrols,” adds Zbigniew Ulman, commander of the municipal police.

The uniformed services are supported by the Sustainable Night Economy Commission, which has been operating for over a year, and Night Mayor Jacek Jordan. They carry out activities aimed at improving safety, public order, and the quality of life of residents at night. This is part of a long-term process of developing a comprehensive night economy management plan to reconcile the needs of residents, businesses, and visitors to the city.

Safe Kraków

– Kraków is one of the safest cities in Poland and Europe. Social surveys conducted by the city twice a year on a sample of 1,800 residents show that the issue of safety in the city ranks only seventh. This result reflects the sense of security among residents, especially at a time when we are also facing geopolitical threats, emphasized Antoni Fryczek, city secretary.

According to data from the Obserwator Social Research Office, the majority of residents consider Kraków to be a safe city – 85.9%. In turn, the Safest Destinations Index 2025 survey shows that the capital of Małopolska is the fifth safest city in Europe. This is also confirmed by the opinion of women traveling solo, who consider Krakow to be the second safest city in the world.

Night economy

– We are working on rules for the functioning of the city at night, which are intended to improve relations between all participants in urban life – residents, entrepreneurs, and visitors. My role is to coordinate activities, mediate between stakeholders, and resolve disputes. Thanks to the cooperation of all parties, we are slowly changing the face of Krakow's nightlife, explains Jacek Jordan, night mayor.

One of the most important stages of night economy activities is education – of residents, entrepreneurs, and visitors alike – on the rules of social relations and regulations governing the functioning of the city at night. The municipal police, the police, units of the Kraków City Hall, non-governmental organizations, entrepreneurs, and district councils are involved in the work. City Helpers also play an important role in this process. They are municipal assistants who, among other things, speed up interventions by informing the services about threats or violations of regulations.

The Night Commission focuses on dialogue and negotiation. “Calm, matter-of-fact conversation yields the best results. Of the 23 entities we spoke with, most have implemented the residents’ proposals,” says Jacek Jordan.

To date, 21 of the Night Commission’s 33 resolutions have been adopted by consensus. The city is also taking action at the central level: resolutions have been prepared for ministries and state institutions with proposals for changes in laws concerning, among other things, the powers of municipal police, penalties for offenses, the law on sobriety education, and the rules for organizing public gatherings.

In the catering industry, a “Set of Good Practices” has been introduced, developed with the participation of residents and entrepreneurs. According to representatives of the Night Commission, the quality of outdoor dining areas has improved, and entrepreneurs are more likely to comply with the rules on nighttime quiet hours and space occupancy. The next step will be the introduction of a “Neighborhood-Friendly Venue” certificate, which will recognize entrepreneurs who run their businesses responsibly. The project is set to come into effect next year.

The activities of the Night Commission and the Night Mayor are an example of how, through cooperation between different communities, it is possible to strive for a sustainable model of night-time city functioning – so that Kraków remains an attractive place for visitors, but also a friendly and peaceful place for its residents.