MP says police must not feel afraid

Police officers must not feel afraid while carrying out their duties, Grímur Grímsson, a member of parliament, told mbl.is. He led the steering group behind a new policing plan from the Ministry of Justice, presented on Wednesday.

The plan, covering 2027 to 2031, considers creating a national unit to combat organised crime. It schedules preparations for 2028 and the unit’s establishment for 2031.

Grímur said he had long supported bringing together those who work against organised crime. Draft legislation from the justice minister outlines possible legal changes, he said, while the best way to organise the work remains open to discussion. A new structure for police agencies could help concentrate expertise across the three agencies and improve cooperation, he said.

The plan also addresses increased violence and threats against police staff, alongside a rise in serious violent offences, weapons carrying and the brutality associated with organised crime. Grímur said police officers may need stronger legal protection and better follow-up in cases against them, potentially requiring legislative changes.

“A person who is afraid may not do what they are required to do because they fear for their safety,” he said. Grímur added that he did not believe Icelandic police officers would shy away from their duties, but said the risk was there.