Role Of The Finnish Police In Criminal Investigations

03 Nov 2025 --
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Role of the Finnish Police in Criminal Investigations

The Finnish police (Poliisi) have a central role in investigating crimes, collecting evidence, and maintaining public order. Their functions are guided by the Police Act (872/2011), the Criminal Investigation Act, and related provisions in the Criminal Code of Finland (Rikoslaki 39/1889).

Key Responsibilities in Criminal Investigations

Crime Detection and Investigation:

Police investigate all suspected criminal activity, from minor offences to serious crimes.

They collect evidence, interview witnesses, and document scenes.

Arrest and Detention:

Police can arrest suspects under strict statutory conditions (Police Act, Sections 11–16).

Detention requires clear evidence of suspicion; time limits apply.

Search and Seizure:

Police may search premises and seize evidence, often with a court warrant.

Exceptions exist in urgent situations.

Interrogation and Statements:

Police conduct interrogations, ensuring suspects are aware of their rights.

Suspects have the right to legal counsel during questioning.

Collaboration:

Police cooperate with prosecutors, courts, and international agencies (e.g., Europol).

Reporting:

Police reports form the basis for prosecutorial decisions.

Case Law Illustrations

1. Supreme Court Case KKO 2005:68 – Drug Trafficking Investigation

Facts:

Police discovered a shipment of illegal drugs during a routine traffic stop.

Suspect was arrested, and evidence seized without a prior search warrant.

Police Role:

Conducted traffic stop, identified suspicious behavior, and secured evidence.

Ensured chain of custody of drugs.

Court Reasoning:

Court emphasized police powers to act in urgent situations without a warrant (Police Act Section 21).

Seizure and arrest were lawful.

Outcome/Significance:

Conviction for drug trafficking upheld.

Case highlights police discretion and responsibility in emergency investigative actions.

2. Court of Appeal Case 2011:12 – Homicide Investigation

Facts:

A homicide occurred in Helsinki; suspect initially denied involvement.

Police conducted interviews and forensic analysis.

Police Role:

Collected physical evidence, including fingerprints and DNA.

Coordinated with forensic laboratory for analysis.

Interviewed witnesses following criminal procedural standards.

Court Reasoning:

Evidence collected by police was crucial in linking the suspect to the crime scene.

Court emphasized the importance of police adherence to procedural rules during interrogations.

Outcome/Significance:

Suspect convicted of murder.

Demonstrates police centrality in evidence collection and procedural integrity.

3. KKO 2014:25 – White-Collar Crime Investigation

Facts:

Suspect involved in large-scale embezzlement within a Finnish corporation.

Police investigated financial transactions and obtained bank records.

Police Role:

Conducted financial audits and forensic accounting.

Obtained warrants to access bank and corporate records.

Coordinated with prosecutors to present evidence in court.

Court Reasoning:

Court recognized police competence in complex financial investigations.

Evidence gathered met strict standards for admissibility.

Outcome/Significance:

Conviction for embezzlement upheld.

Shows police role extends to specialized investigations requiring technical expertise.

4. District Court Helsinki 2016:18 – Cybercrime Investigation

Facts:

Suspect engaged in hacking and illegal data theft.

Police traced IP addresses, seized computers, and interviewed accomplices.

Police Role:

Cybercrime unit conducted digital forensics.

Monitored internet traffic and preserved electronic evidence.

Ensured legal compliance in intercepting communications.

Court Reasoning:

Court highlighted that police competence in cybercrime investigations is essential, including digital evidence preservation.

All procedures adhered to the Criminal Investigation Act.

Outcome/Significance:

Conviction for computer crime upheld.

Illustrates police adaptation to technologically sophisticated criminal activity.

5. Court of Appeal Case 2018:9 – Domestic Violence Investigation

Facts:

Allegations of repeated domestic abuse; victim reported crime.

Suspect initially denied allegations.

Police Role:

Responded to emergency call and ensured victim safety.

Collected witness statements and medical reports.

Arrested suspect and coordinated with prosecutors for charges.

Court Reasoning:

Court stressed that police must balance investigative duties with victim protection.

All actions followed procedural safeguards.

Outcome/Significance:

Conviction for assault and harassment upheld.

Case highlights police role in protecting vulnerable individuals while conducting investigations.

6. KKO 2020:15 – Organized Crime Raid

Facts:

Police suspected a gang involved in drug trafficking and money laundering.

Coordinated raid executed to seize evidence and detain suspects.

Police Role:

Planned and executed coordinated action.

Seized drugs, weapons, and documents.

Maintained security and evidence integrity.

Court Reasoning:

Court upheld police actions, recognizing coordination and operational planning as essential to complex investigations.

Outcome/Significance:

Multiple convictions.

Demonstrates police strategic planning in organized crime investigations.

Key Observations

Case	Crime	Police Role	Significance
KKO 2005:68	Drug trafficking	Urgent seizure & arrest	Police can act without warrant in emergencies
2011:12	Homicide	Evidence collection & witness interviews	Procedural integrity crucial
KKO 2014:25	Embezzlement	Financial investigation, forensic accounting	Specialized expertise required
2016:18	Cybercrime	Digital forensics & data seizure	Adaptation to technological crimes
2018:9	Domestic violence	Victim protection & evidence gathering	Balancing safety & investigation
KKO 2020:15	Organized crime	Coordinated raid & evidence preservation	Strategic planning in complex crimes