Iceland minister defends plan to cut police chief offices

Justice Minister Þorbjörg Sigríður Gunnlaugsdóttir says a plan to reduce the number of police chief offices from nine to three would strengthen policing in rural areas without reducing local services, mbl.is reports.

The consultation period on the draft bill ends today. Employees of the Police Commissioner for Northwest Iceland opposed the proposal in their submission, saying its necessity had not been demonstrated.

“Major changes prompt debate, and I have been pleased to see positive responses from police officers and police commissioners,” Gunnlaugsdóttir wrote on Facebook. “I am aware, however, that opinions will always differ on the means of achieving goals.”

Under the proposal, each police commissioner would have several deputy commissioners based around the country. Gunnlaugsdóttir said this would create a strong management team in each district, while the number of police stations would remain unchanged.

She also said the number of police officers needs to increase further next year. A new policing strategy and a bill on measures against organised crime will be presented soon, she said, adding that the government is taking major steps on prison affairs and the deportation of foreign criminals.