The number of police assignments increases by about one fifth in the summer

The summer months clearly stand out in terms of the number of police assignments, with the total number of assignments in the summer being higher than average. On average, the monthly number of police assignments is about 53,000 while in the summer months, in other words from June to August, it is about 58,000 to 62,000. Compared to the average number from October to May, which is about 50,000 assignments per month, there are about 20 per cent more assignments per month in the summer months.

In the summer, the work of the police is particularly characterised by an increase in the number of assignments typical of the season. In general, the increased consumption of alcohol is also reflected in an increase in police assignments almost across the board. According to Chief Superintendent Kai Vepsäläinen, the increase in the number of assignments is often due to the general “summer holiday feeling” and the related increase in alcohol consumption, but the weather can also have an impact.

“Alcohol increases the risk of accidents even in normal life, and the increased use of alcohol during the summer holidays may also manifest itself in the number of reports received by the police. In an intoxicated state, your susceptibility to accidents generally increases, your functional capacity deteriorates, you have a bigger tendency to risky behaviour, and your deliberative ability deteriorates”, Kai Vepsäläinen says.

During the summer months, the police are also kept busy by various events, festivals and demonstrations. A great number of events are arranged in Finland in the summer, and the more people there are, the more likely it is that something will happen. The task of the police at public events is to secure public order and safety.

More crimes against life and health

In the summer months, the number of assignments related to crimes against the protection of life and health increases by about one quarter. The police receive about 4,000 such assignments per month during the winter months, while the corresponding number is more than 5,000 during the summer months. This is partly attributable to the increased use of alcohol and its effects.

“A person’s behaviour may be more boisterous than usual, and, on the other hand, the tolerance of others may be reduced, which increases the risk of conflicts. A verbal quarrel can lead to a scuffle, and in the worst case to a boxing match or even worse. Almost all homicides in Finland are committed while drunk or intoxicated. Intoxicants expose you to become both the perpetrator and the victim”, Vepsäläinen clarifies.

The number of assignments related to accidents increases

Summer months are also the busiest period for police assignments related to accidents or other dangerous situations even though they only constitute a small part of the total number of police assignments.

Assignments concerning the saving of a person, which have been discussed widely in Finland recently, fall into this category. Their number triples or even quadruples during the summer season compared to the winter months. When comparing the summers of 2025 and 2024, there is a noticeable difference in terms of these types of assignments.

"The entire summer of 2024 was evenly warm, and swimming waters, for example, warmed up earlier. This levelled out the number of assignments last summer between the different summer months. This year, on the other hand, the hot season did not occur until July, and this can be seen as a clear spike in police assignments in this sector", says Chief Superintendent Kai Vepsäläinen.

Traffic safety deteriorating

According to Kai Vepsäläinen, driving while drunk is usually more common during the summer months, especially in traffic to and from a summer cottage and in connection with various events. Spending time at the summer cottage and at events is often associated with alcohol, and people may not always be aware of their deteriorated driving condition the next day or after the event has ended.

Excessive speeding and swerving off the road are also typical occurrences in summer traffic. Serious traffic accidents involving young persons in particular are characterised by the use of alcohol and other intoxicants, high speeds, and not wearing a seatbelt.

“A dry and sunny weather may tempt some to test what their vehicle can do, and then all it takes is a small unforeseen situation or limited driver’s abilities, and the consequences can be drastic and tragic due to the high speed involved,” says Kai Vepsäläinen.

Alcohol is unfortunately also quite often part of the Finnish boating culture. The blood alcohol limit of 1.0 per mill for waterborne traffic intoxication is quite high, and it can often be difficult for a boater to understand when they are “below the punishable limit”.

“However, the police would like to point out that a responsible boater only consumes alcohol when the boat is moored and does not drive a boat under the influence of alcohol.”

The police would like to see restraint especially in the use of alcohol in the summer:

• Moderation is the key in everything, also in the use of alcohol. Avoid binge drinking and consider non-alcoholic alternatives.
• Relax with means other than alcohol. Take exercise, go for a walk in the forest, swim, go to sauna...
• Make sure to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. Alcohol increases the risk of dehydration.
• With a smaller alcohol consumption, the risks of becoming a suspect or victim of a crime are significantly decreased.
• If you or a loved one of yours is concerned about your use of alcohol, seek help.