The police have been developing preventive action in police departments and more resources have been allocated to this work, and some good results have been achieved. Police officers carrying out preventive work are committed to these efforts and have a clear view of what needs to be done. However, differences in the way police departments implement preventive action are apparent. This is one of the issues pointed out in a recent report on implementation, which examines the results of preventive work in 2019.

The loss limits of Veikkaus Oy's fast-paced gambling games are to be lowered. The maximum loss limit will be lowered to EUR 500 (now 2,000) per month and EUR 500 (now 1,000) per day. Amendments to the Act will enter into force on 1 May and will remain in force until 30 September 2020.

The Ministry of the Interior and the police have launched the #virtuaalivappu campaign, which encourages people to deviate from traditions and celebrate vappu on the web, in line with the restrictions on gatherings. The aim is to give people alternative ways to spend vappu together while avoiding close contacts. You can check out the online vappu events at virtuaalivappu.fi.

The information systems used by law enforcement authorities in the EU Member States will be developed to improve their interoperability. The aim is to ensure that the end-users of the systems (the police or border authorities, for example) have rapid and controlled access to the information they need for the performance of their duties.

The Government has decided to begin restricting cross-border traffic at Finland’s borders starting on Thursday 19 March at midnight. Border-crossing points will be closed and border controls will be reintroduced. The police will monitor, within the limits of their resources, compliance with the restrictions on public gatherings imposed due to the coronavirus and, if necessary, provide executive assistance to other authorities.

Minister of the Interior Maria Ohisalo awarded Medals of Merit First Class for Civil Defence and Medals of Merit Second Class for Civil Defence on 24 February. These Medals of Merit are awarded for meritorious or highly meritorious work for the good of civil defence.

On 30 January, the Government appointed Taito Vainio as Director of the Emergency Response Centre Agency. Vainio holds a Master’s degree in Social Sciences and a Master's degree in Technology. He will take up his post on 1 March and his term of office will last for five years. The post is based in Pori.

Minister of the Interior Maria Ohisalo will attend the informal meeting of the EU home affairs ministers in Zagreb on 24 January. This will be the first informal meeting of ministers during the Croatian Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

The Ministry of the Interior has issued decrees on the fees charged by the police and the Finnish Immigration Service and on voluntary return assistance. The decrees will enter into force on 1 January 2020.