Finnish police take bullying allegations seriously

Southwest Finland Police have referred allegations of workplace bullying to an external review, the force confirmed in a statement to Yle.

Ella Varis, a former senior constable with the department, has publicly accused colleagues of serious misconduct. Police Chief Risto Lammi stated that harassment, inappropriate treatment, or bullying are never acceptable under any circumstances.

“We have clear rules against such behaviour, including targeted harassment,” Lammi said. He added that while the employer’s ability to comment on individual cases is limited, the force has fulfilled its obligations and taken appropriate action.

“The allegations are serious, so I have referred them to the prosecutor for assessment. We want to ensure our former employee’s legal protections remain in place even after their employment ended,” Lammi explained.

The police plan to clarify accountability and improve procedures to make reporting misconduct, harassment, or bullying easier and safer in the future.