The police are being pulled in several different directions at the moment. The current geopolitical situation has made it necessary to step up preparedness. At the same time, the police are in talks with the Ministry of the Interior over a new plan to balance the organisation’s operations and finances and to cut costs in the short-term.
National Police Commissioner Seppo Kolehmainen talked about this quandary in his speech for the oath-taking ceremony at the Police University College in Tampere on Friday, 23 September 2022.
The Government has just published its budget proposal for next year. The police have at least a decent chance to succeed in their mission. The goal recorded in the Government Programme is to keep the number of police officers at the current level of 7,500. Based on the police’s most recent estimate, however, costs still need to be cut by approximately EUR 14 to 15 million next year.
At the same time, the Russian invasion of Ukraine has changed our security environment, profoundly and permanently.
‘Reinforcing public trust in the police and the police’s ability to keep everyone – regardless of who they are and where they are in the country – safe in all circumstances, including in times of emergency, is vital for society’, Kolehmainen emphasised in his speech.
‘Making this happen requires a predictable budget that allows the police to plan ahead, legislative reforms that fully account for the effects on costs, and a reallocation of tasks that are not at the core of police work. The police also need a reserve of officers to boost operational capacity in times of emergency and protracted crises.
According to Kolehmainen, all of the above naturally call for political debate and decision-making.
‘The police’s role is to share their views as experts in internal security’, he explained.
Ethical oath emphasises the responsibility inherent in police work
Around 100 police officers gathered to take their oath at the Police University College in Tampere on Friday, 23 September 2022. The oath was taken in the presence of National Police Commissioner Seppo Kolehmainen.
The majority of the oath-takers had graduated in 2020 or 2021.
The purpose of the oath is to ensure that new police officers are aware of and fully realise the values and ways of working expected from police officers in Finland.
The oath is not legally binding, but seeks to emphasise the responsibility inherent in police work. In the ethical oath, police officers swear to respect the human dignity and human rights of every individual and to behave in an honest and helpful manner.
The first oath-taking ceremony was held in January 2001.
