Maintaining law and order

Everyone has the right to spend time in public places and move about without being threatened or disturbed by others. It is the duty of the police to ensure that this right is realised.

The police maintain general order and security. In public places this is carried out by police patrols, for instance. The police also come to public and private locations when called out.

In addition to the police, guards from private security companies are also used to provide security services in many places such as public transport vehicles and department stores. They must have a permit granted by the police for their work.

In Finland, the police operate under the Ministry of the Interior.

The Border Guard is responsible for border security in Finland. Border security consists of border control and border checks.