The Market Square and the traditional Kauppahalli, built in 1901, have over the years provided a year-round meeting and trading place for visitors, which is why the busy place also required security. A special feature of Oulu's history was the presence of market policemen, whose job it was to keep the market square in order and order. It was through them that a large part of the city and the population of the province became acquainted with the police and law and order.

The time of the policemen lasted in Oulu from 1934 to 1979. From these times, the local sayings like 'Ookko nää Oulusta, pelekääkkönää polliisia? (are you from Oulu, are you afraid of policeman?)' has remained alive in Oulu. After the end of the marketplace policemen era, a bronze statue, Toripolliisi, designed by Kaarlo Mikkonen, was erected in front of the Kauppahalli in 1987 as a tribute to these policemen. Standing 220 centimetres tall, with his police belt and his bucket hat, this Oulu policeman has over time become one of the most iconic images of Oulu. He is also an active participant in the lives of locals at various celebrations and events. You too can go to a photo shoot with Toripolliisi and prove that you were in Oulu!