Proposal on establishing a police reserve circulated for comments

The Ministry of the Interior is requesting comments on a draft government proposal for the establishment and deployment of a police reserve. The aim is to ensure that the police have sufficient resources in all circumstances. The draft proposal also includes an amendment concerning the qualification requirements for the Master of Police Services degree. The deadline for submitting comments is 22 December 2025.

According to the draft proposal, Finland would establish a police reserve to supplement police operations. The reserve could be deployed in the event of serious incidents under normal conditions, in emergency conditions and in a state of defence. However, the threshold for deployment would be high, and the decision when to deploy the reserve or to end the deployment would be made by the Minister of the Interior.

Reserve to consist of police students and former police officers

The police reserve would consist of police students at a specific stage of their studies and individuals who have completed police training but no longer work as police officers, including retired employees or those who have transferred to other duties. Participation in the reserve would be voluntary, and the reserve would comprise approximately 400 to 500 people.

Those appointed to the police reserve would serve in fixed-term public-service employment relationships within the police and under liability for acts in office. They would perform police duties and hold police powers. However, police students appointed to the reserve would exercise such powers under the supervision and real-time direction of a police officer in a permanent public position.

The duties and powers of the police reserve would be defined based on what is necessary to safeguard police resources in the event of serious incidents under normal conditions, in emergency conditions or in a state of defence. A person could only be appointed to a position requiring specific police powers if they have sufficient training for the role.

Changes to the required prior studies for police studies

In addition to amendments to the Act on Police Administration and the Police Act, the proposal includes changes to the Act on the Police University College. The reform would change the required prior studies for the Bachelor and Master of Police Services degrees.

Under the new law, the Police University College could admit to police studies a person who is deemed to have sufficient knowledge and skills for the studies, and who has at least three years of work experience as a police officer in Finland.

Inquiries:
Tomi Vuori, Director General, tel. +358 295 488 550, [email protected]