Government to streamline exchange of information between authorities in combating crime

Today, the Government submitted a proposal to Parliament to remove obstacles to information sharing between the police and other authorities in combating crime. The proposal includes amendments to provisions on access to information and disclosure of information. These changes aim to enable better exchange of information for preventing, detecting and investigating offences, for example.

Amendments are proposed to the Police Act, the Act on the Processing of Personal Data by the Police and the corresponding acts concerning the Finnish Border Guard, Finnish Customs and the Finnish Defence Forces. The Finnish Immigration Service would also be given the right to obtain information on certain warrants of apprehension and would be required to notify the police of the identity and presence of an apprehended person on its premises.

- These amendments will remove obstacles to information sharing in combating crime and improve cooperation between authorities. By streamlining the exchange of information, we can combat organised crime more effectively and strengthen the security of society, says Minister of the Interior Mari Rantanen. 

Police rights to obtain and disclose information to be specified

Under the proposal, the police would have the right to disclose non-disclosable information both upon request and on their own initiative to step up efforts to combat crime and guarantee the security of society. Information could also be disclosed to private parties in situations defined by law. The police would also have the right to disclose information to critical infrastructure operators. Exchange of information between authorities and critical entities would help support the protection of critical sites.

The right of the police to obtain information from private parties would be specified. They could obtain information not only to prevent, detect and investigate offences but also to avert danger to life or health and to locate certain wanted persons. In individual cases, the police could obtain information on the identity and presence of individuals at specific locations from healthcare and social welfare service providers in certain clearly defined situations. This provision would not allow access to information on diagnoses or other information related to treatment. 

These amendments would increase the possibilities for the police to obtain and disclose information on a case-by-case basis. The police would therefore be better equipped to combat crime and cooperate with different parties to maintain the security of society. Corresponding amendments are proposed for the Finnish Border Guard, Finnish Customs and the Finnish Defence Forces where necessary.

According to the Programme of Prime Minister Orpo's Government, the Government will remove obstacles to the exchange of information in the combating of crime and increase the possibilities for the police to disclose non-disclosable information to various public authorities to prevent crime and to guarantee security. The Government Programme also seeks to strengthen national security and society’s resilience. The proposed amendments would implement these objectives.

Inquiries:
Sanna Rekonen, Senior Specialist, tel. +358 295 488 458, [email protected]