During 2024, the police weighed up their values. Value discussions aimed to identify the most important values that guide the police.
In line with the police strategy, our vision is to safeguard all people at all times. For the socially significant work of the police to be successful, it is important that, besides legislation and other norms, our operations are built on a solid value base. The values of the police support and enable implementation of the police strategy.
The values of the police were first adopted in 2008 and reviewed in 2017 in conjunction with updating the police strategy. Fairness, customer service, professionalism and staff welfare were selected as the police values. The value discussions held this year reviewed the relevance of the 2017 values for the police in the 2020s.
Voice of staff, police students, stakeholders and customers heard
Police staff, students, stakeholders and customers took part in the value discussions. Police staff were able to influence the values through regional staff workshops, a staff survey and value discussions in the units. Stakeholder views were gathered through surveys, stakeholder interviews and a stakeholder survey.
The values were discussed with customers at Police Day events. The discussions concluded that whereas the earlier values were still considered to be partly valid, new potential values were also raised. In addition, it was noted that the police environment has changed significantly since the earlier values were adopted.
The final choice was made after careful consideration and the new values have been condensed into three.
- fair
- courageous
- always reliable
The police courageously look ahead
The values form the foundation for common principles that guide the way the police carry out their duties, make decisions and guide each and every one of us in what we do every day. Fairness, courage and reliability are requirements for policing, a good work community and wellbeing at work. They support and enable the implementation of the strategic objectives of the police.
“The values of the police - fairness, courage and reliability – are at the heart of policing. When we act in accordance with our values, we ensure that we do our job properly, both within the organisation and externally,” says National Police Commissioner Ilkka Koskimäki.
Fairness means impartiality in all situations. It is based on respect for laws, standards and ethical principles, and equal treatment of all parties.
Courage is the ability and willingness to face difficult situations and to act professionally, even when a situation is ominous. Courage is needed in everyday policing, as well as in every police mission and organisation. Courage is the ability to identify areas for development and the courage to innovate. However, courage is not recklessness or irresponsible risk-taking. Police action is professional in all situations.
Reliability, on the other hand, derives from consistency, honesty and owning responsibility. Trust is earned in every encounter, both within the organisation and with customers and stakeholders.
“I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone contributing actively to the value discussions for their valuable thoughts. The relevance and importance of dialogue was highlighted in this matter as well,” Koskimäki says.
