Finnish police > General principles of operation

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General principles of operation

The Police Act requires that the police discharge their duties in an appropriate and impartial manner and seek to promote a conciliatory spirit. The actions of the police must not cause any more damage or inconvenience than is necessary to carry out the duty at hand. Measures taken must be justifiable in relation to the importance and urgency of the duty and the other factors affecting overall assessment of the situation.

The Police Act also requires that the police endeavour to maintain public order and security primarily through issuing advice, requests and orders. The police are not entitled to infringe on people's rights any more than is necessary to carry out their duties.

Although police operations are largely based on the requirements of the law, the work of police officers is not merely a mechanical process of supervising compliance with the law but also involves measures to ensure the peaceful co-existence of all sectors of society and respect of the rights of the individual. The values and good practices underlying police operations are incorporated into the ethical oath for police officers.

Each police officer has a badge, which must be presented on request, provided this does not endanger the fulfilment of police duties.

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