Next year, the police will focus on crime prevention, especially crimes committed by young people and children

According to the Police Barometer, Finns are particularly concerned about crimes committed by young people, firearms, and the use and sale of drugs in public places. The police have defined crime prevention as the priority for next year.

“The goal is to investigate crimes committed by young people and children in real time. We are determined to combat serious criminal phenomena and maintain a good level of successful investigation of crimes,” National Police Commissioner Ilkka Koskimäki said at the oath-taking ceremony of new police officers in Tampere on Thursday.

Combatting violent crime has been raised as one of the most important priorities of the Finnish police for the first time.

“Tackling violent crime is a major challenge in a changed operating environment where drugs are present everywhere, mental health problems are clearly visible and information networks serve as an enabler of growing violence.”

“At the same time, the ongoing wars and international organised crime and terrorism also affect the perpetrators of violence in different ways in Finland as well,” Ilkka Koskimäki stated. 

The police do not tolerate misconduct

National Police Commissioner Ilkka Koskimäki emphasised to the new police officers taking the oath that it is the duty of the police to maintain order and security in co-operation with other authorities, communities and residents. The police must therefore be fair, courageous and always reliable in accordance with the values of the police.

“I expect all of you to understand the pledge you make in your oath that you will endeavour to behave to the best of your ability and skills at all times and in all situations in a manner appropriate to the dignity of a police officer.”

“At the same time, I would like to remind you that the police have absolute zero tolerance for any kind of misconduct,” he said.

Those who graduate as Bachelors of Police Services take the ethical oath of the police. Its purpose is that the new police officers are aware of and internalise the values and practices that are expected of the police in Finland.

The oath is received by the National Police Commissioner. Oath-taking ceremonies have been arranged since 2001.