Faroe Islands police lack 8 to 10 officers

The Faroe Islands police force is short of 8 to 10 officers, KVF reports, citing an interview with chief police inspector Claus Birkelyng published in the police trade journal Dansk Politi.

The staffing shortage sometimes makes it difficult to complete duty rosters, Birkelyng said. Danish substitute officers worked in the Faroe Islands during the summer to help address the situation.

According to the article, 107 people currently work for the police force, compared with an authorised staffing level of 117.

Eyðun Dalsgarð, chairman of the Faroe Islands Police Association, said the shortage was prompting Faroese police officers to seek other jobs.

Faroese police work has become a form of daily firefighting, Dalsgarð said, adding that the psychological working environment was under severe pressure.