Police trainee under investigation for shooting in Jyväskylä is a student at Finland’s Police University College

A police trainee who fired a weapon during an incident in Jyväskylä in early March is a student at Finland’s Police University College (Polamk), reports Yle. The student, now under preliminary investigation, was completing a work placement with Central Finland Police at the time of the shooting.

The trainee is suspected of dereliction of duty and aggravated assault after shooting a man armed with a knife in the Keltinmäki district. The man, who was injured in the incident, is suspected of robbery, violent resistance against an official, and illegal threats.

Polamk is currently assessing whether the student’s studies should be suspended during the investigation. Rector Marko Laitinen told Yle the decision will likely be made by late May. The college follows standard procedure in such cases, evaluating whether a student accused of a crime—whether on or off duty—can continue their studies.

The trainee, nearing the end of their studies, had full police authority during the placement, including access to standard equipment such as a firearm. Under Polamk’s guidelines, trainees operate only under direct supervision, paired with an experienced officer. Laitinen confirmed the trainee was accompanied by a senior colleague during the incident.

Laitinen described the case as rare, noting no prior instances of a trainee facing investigation for actions performed in an official capacity. The college and Central Finland Police have provided support to the student following the event.

No charges have yet been filed. If prosecuted, the case will proceed to court at a later stage.