National Police Commissioner Ilkka Koskimäki promises that the police will be more present among young people this autumn.
“We have started this work in all police units, and we will be more visible than before in schools, on the streets, and online. I encourage everyone to engage actively and openly with the police. Through everyday encounters and cooperation, we build dialogue and a shared understanding.”
He says he understands that recent media coverage of police activities may have raised questions and emotions.
“And it should. You may ask why. You have the right to disagree. You have the right to criticize the police. We will listen and do our best to respond.”
“But I also want you to be able to trust that when something serious happens, when someone threatens you, treats you unfairly, or when you become the victim of a crime, the police will be there and will take the matter seriously.”
Koskimäki spoke at the national Police Day event held in Vantaa on Saturday. The event was jointly organized by the National Bureau of Investigation and the Eastern Uusimaa Police Department. During the day, Police Day events were also held in 13 other locations across Finland. Police Day has been celebrated in its current form since 2009. This year's theme was: Safety for Everyone, in All Circumstances.
The full speech is available on the police website, poliisi.fi.
