Keeping the capital safe for 200 years – Helsinki Police Department responds to the constantly changing operating environment

Despite higher numbers of call-outs and crimes, the Helsinki police have succeeded in working more efficiently. The police arrive on the scene faster than ever before and investigate crimes more effectively.

Helsinki Police Department celebrates its 200th anniversary this year. Established in 1826, the police force was tasked with maintaining order in the growing city, protecting people from crime and upholding social peace. Although today's environment is completely different, the police still have the same core mission: to keep people safe, protect the city, and act as a safeguard under all circumstances. 

Last year saw significant changes in the Helsinki police’s operating environment. The numbers of police missions and crime reports increased, but the police also improved their performance, response times, and rates of crimes solved. One particular concern was the sharp increase in drug use, particularly of alpha-PVP, and the resulting disorder, criminality, and serious health problems. 

More call-outs, record preparedness

Last year, the Helsinki Police Department received a total of 162,099 call-outs, almost 20,000 more than the year before. The number category A missions – the most important category – increased by 13.3%. Despite the heavier workload, the Helsinki police's average response time for category A call-outs was better than ever before, at 4.8 minutes. 

Last year, 93 295 crimes were reported to the Helsinki police. The number of crimes rose by 12,4% from 2024. Despite this growth, investigation times were reduced, and the rate of crimes solved increased.

“Just over a year ago, we made major organisational changes within the Helsinki Police Department. Now, looking at the results for the past year as a whole, it seems our decisions were the right ones, and we have met, or even surpassed, the targets we set ourselves. The operating environment is changing rapidly, and we need to develop continuously in order to meet ever-changing needs," says Police Commissioner Jari Liukku, Police Chief at the Helsinki Police Department.

Drug offences continue to rise

The number of drug users and the volume of drugs consumed in Finland are rising sharply. The number of drug-related offences reported to the Helsinki police increased by almost 10% last year, and the number of aggravated narcotics offences climbed by over 15%. 

A growing demand for drugs is fuelling transnational organised crime linked to their production, importation, and distribution. The street drug trade and the use of drugs cause disorder, which often manifests itself in violence, property offences, and other criminality. In particular, the sharp increase in alpha-PVP use is reflected in more unpredictable and aggressive behaviour. 

“The key to overall safety is to stem the continuous rise in the number of drug users, especially among younger age groups. The Helsinki police work closely with other authorities, the city, and various stakeholders to prevent the use and sale of drugs and the safety hazards they cause to citizens," Liukku emphasises.

The share of foreigners in the street and online drug trade has increased. In response, the Helsinki police have stepped up the rate of crime-based deportations and will continue to do so. The number of deportations related to combating immediate threats to public order and security has also increased. Last year, the Helsinki police deported 962 people, which was 331 more than the year before. 

“Deportations are an integral part of maintaining public order and security,” says Chief Inspector Simo Kauppinen. 

Visible surveillance and police presence are essential

One major focus of the Helsinki Police Department over the past year has been increasing the amount of visible surveillance and police presence at trouble spots. This is one concrete measure the police have taken in response to the disturbances caused by the growing drug problem. Surveillance has been carried out in wide-ranging cooperation with stakeholders, and the police have adopted an information-driven approach based on their own analysis and feedback from stakeholders and residents. There has also been an increase in camera surveillance at hotspots and the introduction of a mobile surveillance trailer, which has received a lot of positive feedback. 

Last year, the Helsinki police carried out 76.9% more public-order tasks on their own initiative than in the previous year. In addition, the number of foot patrols almost doubled compared to 2024.

“Making citizens feel safe and secure is the police's most important task. This year, the police department will step up its information-led policing to combat drug trafficking, serious criminality, and offences and disturbances that compromise public order and safety,” says Police Chief Jari Liukku.

The national school police model was launched a year ago as a preventive measure targeted at young people. It has since become an established aspect of policing. This means that police officers from the surveillance unit will continue to actively visit Helsinki’s schools and nearby areas and engage in dialogue with children and young people. The police also support schools in problem-solving situations. The school police activities also include online lessons from the national Koulu25 team and a strong social media presence among Koulu25 officers. 

One of the main priorities is to combat crime by juveniles and street gangs

In the capital region, there have been observations of youth gangs formed by minors. These gangs are stigmatized in different areas and move around the capital region. Some of the young people belonging to these groups cause disturbances and commit crimes together. A relatively small group of the most challenging young people are responsible for the majority of serious youth crimes, such as robberies and assaults. Police departments in the capital region are currently mapping the exact number of the most challenging youngsters.

In many areas around the capital region, there are street gangs consisting of young adults who are actively involved in drug dealing and violence. Street gangs and their members change rapidly, and some of the gangs that were active a few years ago may no longer exist, having been replaced by new ones.

– Youth and gang crime in the capital region is changing rapidly. The current situation involves groups of minors committing crimes, street gangs formed by young adults and organized crime led from Sweden that supplies drugs to street gangs. The role of a juvenile offender can quickly change to that of a professional criminal. Preventing this requires swift and strict measures from the authorities, says Detective Chief Superintendent Markku Heinikari.