Finland’s police board restarts search for Ostrobothnia police chief

The National Police Board of Finland has announced a fresh, full restart of the search for a police chief to lead the Ostrobothnia Police Department, based in Vaasa, after a previous appointment was overturned by the Helsinki Administrative Court.

The position, a five-year fixed-term role, was reopened following two appeals against the original decision. Applications for the post will be accepted until 5 August.

In the interim, the board has appointed Jarkko Lehtinen, who previously held the role, to serve as acting police chief until a permanent replacement is selected.

The police chief is responsible for leading department operations in line with national police strategy, overseeing service delivery, performance, finances, and personnel management in the region.