Police doing their part to ensure school safety

The past two days have seen violent crimes carried out by children and young people using bladed weapons in Finnish schools. The police would like to remind everyone that it is always an offence to be in possession of a bladed weapon in a public place, such as schools and educational institutions.

The message from the police in this situation is that schools are safe places and the police are doing their part to ensure school safety. School police officers are available and, if necessary, the police will participate in solving problems even by being physically present. Educational institutions can contact their local police department with a low threshold. The police will also continue to visit schools in accordance with the practice implemented this year. The aim is to lower the threshold for communication between children, young people, staff and the police. In such cases, the situation is not a serious one.

Anyone who has thoughts about harming another person needs help. The police would like to remind everyone that help is available and should be sought. Employing violence has consequences for the offender. If you became aware that someone is preparing an act of violence, report it to the police immediately! 

It is illegal to be in possession of dangerous objects in a public place

The Public Order Act prohibits, under threat of punishment, the possession of dangerous objects and objects capable of being used to injure another person in a public place.  Such objects include, for example, various steel weapons and objects that could be mistaken for a firearm or an explosive object as pellet guns. Prohibited objects are listed in the Public Order Act (612/2003).

Consequences of being in possession of prohibited objects

The police would like to point out that the mere possession of a prohibited object may result in consequences for the bearer, some of which may later even impact getting a job or otherwise affect the rest of the person's life. In addition, there are statutory sanctions, such as forfeiture sanctions, liability for damages and penalties provided by law. Prohibited items are taken into the possession of the police and can be destroyed. If the objects are in the possession of a child or an underaged adolescent, the police will also file a child welfare notification.

Parliament is also currently considering a proposal to amend the law whereby the penalties for possession of objects that pose a danger to the life and health of another person would be increased as follows:

• Carrying a firearm in a public place or in vehicle without the right to possess such a weapon would be added to the modus operandi in an aggravated firearms offence. The minimum sentence for this offence would be increased to imprisonment of two years. This always means an unconditional prison sentence. 
• It is proposed to increase the maximum penalty for possession of a dangerous object to imprisonment of two years.
• It is proposed to increase the maximum penalty for possession of an object or substance capable of causing serious injury to another person to one year of imprisonment.