Koskimäki expresses concern over rising youth crime in Finland

Ilkka Koskimäki, the Chief of Police in Finland, has expressed growing concern over the rise in robberies and violence committed by minors. Another significant worry for Koskimäki is the current backlog in criminal investigations, with over 140,000 crime reports pending and nearly 200,000 cases overall, including other preliminary investigations. He emphasizes that these cases require effective allocation of resources.

When asked about the increasing trend of youth crime, Koskimäki notes that even criminologists struggle to provide a definitive explanation. However, he suggests that a significant factor is the growing number of children and adolescents placed outside their homes, highlighting the need for societal support in clarifying parenting roles and providing assistance to parents.

Regarding violence, Koskimäki acknowledges concerns raised about whether it has become harsher. He also reflected on a recent school shooting in Vantaa, stating that while the situation affected him, the police managed their response professionally and effectively. The investigation has been a collaborative effort with various authorities and schools.

Koskimäki warned against Finland following Sweden’s path of increasing gang violence, stating that preventing such trends should be a top priority. He called for proactive measures and legislative tools, such as a crime intelligence law, to address severe crimes before they occur.

On other issues, he affirmed the importance of securing Finland’s eastern border for national safety and addressed concerns surrounding racism in the police force. He underlined that no individual’s background should influence police operations, reinforcing the ongoing discussion on values within the force.