The police are introducing the Pouta service that allows for a more efficient way to receive digital material. The service has been developed with the support of the European Union’s Internal Security Fund. The service has been tested by the police units in Helsinki, Vantaa and Joensuu, and the feedback received has been good.
The aim has been to make the Pouta service as simple as possible for its users.
“When the police need photos, videos or other material from citizens or companies because of a case that is being investigated, the police will open a temporary web page in Pouta for that purpose. The requested information, such as accident scene photos or surveillance camera videos, can be easily sent and received through the service. The page includes a view where files can be selected and forwarded”, says Chief Superintendent Kimmo Ulkuniemi from the National Police Board.
Users of the service can access the page via a link. The link starting with pouta.poliisi.fi can be shared on a personal basis via email or text message. If a large number of people were present at the scene, the link can be posted on the police website, social media channels and possibly also through the media.
As it stands, the police have been unable to receive, for example, large files by email. The Pouta service provides an easy-to-use, secure and protected method for receiving material.
“However, it should be noted that Pouta is not a general channel for tips. The material requested for Pouta always relates to an individual case”, Ulkuniemi points out.
Material obtained from incident scenes is important to the police. It serves as evidence and provides assistance in criminal and accident investigations.
“However, in an emergency situation, the first priority is to move to a safe place, call the emergency number 112, assist potential victims, and wait for the police to arrive”, Ulkuniemi says.
Obligations related to data protection have been taken into account in the design and implementation of the service.
More information on the police website at https://www.poliisi.fi/security_and_monitoring/pouta_service
