Four municipalities oppose Suðurnes police merger plans

All four municipalities in the Suðurnes region oppose plans to abolish its independent police commissioner’s office and merge it with another force, mbl.is reports. They say the change could weaken policing, border control and civil protection in one of Iceland’s most important security areas.

The resolution was approved at the annual meeting of the Association of Municipalities in Suðurnes on September 11. The association’s members are Reykjanesbær, Suðurnesjabær, Vogar Municipality and Grindavík.

The municipalities call on the justice minister to ensure the office remains independent, with its leadership and decision-making authority based in the region.

They point to Suðurnes’ role in security, particularly because Keflavík Airport is the country’s largest border crossing. About 8.1 million passengers travelled through the airport last year, the resolution says, while border control duties are increasing. It also says the number of border guards will need to rise significantly with the introduction of a new Schengen entry and exit system.

The municipalities also cite continuing natural hazards linked to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions on the Reykjanes Peninsula in recent years. They say Suðurnes police have played a key role in extensive civil protection operations, where swift decisions and local knowledge are crucial.

The resolution supports closer cooperation between police forces and shared resources, but says this does not require merging their offices. The municipalities want a thorough impact assessment and formal consultation with them and their association before any decision is made. They also say the Suðurnes office must retain sufficient staff, facilities and authority to carry out policing, border control and civil protection duties.