As of 2025, the memorial wall of the Police University College has plaques for 130 police officers killed in the line of duty.
The police officer’s work is among the most demanding jobs in society. It requires the ability to take swift, proportional and safe action in incidents that can change in seconds. Occupational safety and performance do not arise by chance; they are built on a sturdy foundation of training and continuous learning. Training is more than just a tool – it is a form of protection that safeguards the police, citizens and society as a whole.
The police’s operating and security environment has changed significantly over the past decades. Globalisation, digitalisation and various social phenomena and tensions have brought new challenges to police work. Police are faced with increasingly complex situations that require not only technical skills, but also a broad understanding of the operating environment, interpersonal skills, and the ability to assess risks quickly. In this environment, traditional approaches are no longer enough – continuous training is needed to meet the demands of a changing world.
Social developments have also affected the level of respect for the police and the risks they face. Although the police in Finland still enjoy a high level of trust, there are phenomena in police work that challenge this position. The police are increasingly confronted with violence and the threat of violence – especially in situations involving people under the influence of new designer drugs, for example. In such situations, unpredictable and aggressive behaviour can escalate quickly, and the police must be able to act decisively but safely. Training provides the skills to deal with these situations in a controlled way, but it also requires constant situational awareness and an understanding of new phenomena.
The performance of the police consists of their skills and the tools and equipment available. Technological developments in recent decades have provided the police with new, more sophisticated tools, such as protective equipment and weapons, communication systems, safer vehicles, surveillance technology and analytical tools. These not only make police work more efficient, but also significantly safer. The latest expertise helps in identifying risks and using protective and coercive measures effectively and at the right time.
The systematic analysis of near-misses and actual incidents has become part of the development of the police’s operating models. Every hazard is an opportunity to learn and develop new ways of working. Going through these situations can help identify inadequacies, reinforce good practices, and develop new approaches. This process is not just retrospective evaluation – it is an aspect of proactive safety work, with training as a key tool.
Basic police training lays a strong foundation for police work, but the training does not end there – it is just the beginning. True professional skills develop over the course of a career, through continuous learning and updating of knowledge. New technologies, changes in legislation, and social phenomena require the police to adapt and develop their skills through continuous training, exercises and reflective learning. So training is not a project – it is a process that goes on throughout a police officer’s career.
Finally, it should be emphasised that high-quality, up-to-date training is not just in the interest of the individual; it is in the interest of the entire organisation and society. A well-trained and competent police force is effective, safe, ethical and trustworthy. Training builds professional pride, strengthens wellbeing, and supports the role of the police in ensuring social peace, justice and security. Training protects police officers physically, mentally and legally.
That is why training is the best form of protection for the police.
Marko Laitinen
Director
Police University College