I do solemnly declare that I will act at all times to the best of my ability and knowledge in a manner befitting a police officer.
I will preserve the dignity and will respect the rights of all individuals.
I will exercise my authority as a police officer in the manner intended by the law.
I will faithfully obey the orders of my superiors and will be ready to confront danger in the line of duty.
I will discharge my duties with integrity and will promote understanding and conciliation.
I will act with honesty and courtesy and will endeavour to develop the appropriate esprit de corps.
I will act justly and impartially and with propriety towards my fellow officers.
I will continuously strive to honour this oath in my service as a police officer.
The ethical oath of a police officer
Newly qualified police officers have taken an ethical oath since 2001. The aim is to make them aware of and internalise the values and practices expected of the police in Finland. The oath is not legally binding, but swearing the oath underlines the responsibilities of being a police officer.
The first three decades of Finland’s independence (1918–1949) were the most dangerous time for the authorities: almost three quarters of all police fatalities occurred in this period. The unstable conditions of time, including the crime wave during Prohibition and the brief period of training or, sometimes, a complete lack of training made police work life-threatening. The 21st century has been statistically the safest time, reflecting the police’s investment in training and occupational safety.
This review examines the causes and motives of police fatalities, the circumstances of the incidents, the modus operandi, and the profiles of the victims. In particular, arrests, disturbances in public places, and domestic disturbances have been dangerous for the police.
Police work involves risks, and officers need to be ready to respond to them. Police fatalities are a stark reminder of these dangers. The profession can exact the highest possible price – the life of an officer.
In their ethical oath, graduates of the Police University College vow to be prepared to encounter the dangers of their profession. ©Police.