Experts say Tuusula moped crash could strengthen trust in police

Police Chief Superintendent Ari Järveläinen and police law expert Henri Rikander told Yle’s A-studio that the Tuusula moped crash is unlikely to weaken public trust in the police and could even strengthen it.

Järveläinen, from the National Police Board, said trust in the police had been built over a long period through their routine work. He did not believe the individual case would have a significant effect on confidence in the police.

He said the crash was an isolated incident that had received extensive public attention, while acknowledging why it had prompted strong reactions.

Rikander, a docent in police law, agreed. He said the case could show that people trusted the police because they did not accept the conduct seen in Tuusula.

Rikander also said research showed that trust in the police had sometimes increased when senior police officials faced criminal allegations.

Police condemn targeted harassment

The police officer involved in the Tuusula moped crash has faced extensive targeted harassment since the incident. The officer’s photograph and address have, for example, been shared on social media.

Järveläinen said the police took harassment directed at officers extremely seriously. He said such conduct must stop and did not belong in society.