The government wants to strengthen the Icelandic police force in several ways: increasing the number of drug squad officers; installing surveillance cameras in Reykjavik; and strengthening the special weapons and tactics team. The government's goals for the police include developing law and order, improving citizen services, increasing border control to protect public safety, and stronger drug policing. The Icelandic police system is closely controlled by the government, with the national commissioner of police overseeing 15 police districts and being appointed by the minister of justice.

1. ICELANDIC POLICE CASE
Perspective of Government
by Melissa Cru, Risa Teshigawara, David Karapetyan, Lyne Zein and Mahmoud el Said.

2. INTRODUCTION-THE GOVERNMENT AS A STAKEHOLDER
•
The main concern of the government is to ensure the security and well-being of the
citizens
•
The Government as a stakeholder seeks to establish a balance between an effective
police force while not limiting the freedom of the individual
•
The main priority of the Government is to combat drug abuse

3. WHAT THE GOVERNMENT WANTS TO CHANGE IN THE
POLICE DEPARTMENT?
•
Stronger Drug Policing
o Increase in the number of drug squad officers
o Police surveillance cameras installed in the center of Reykjavik
•
The strengthening of the Special Weapons and Tactics Team
•
The Schengen scheme led to a tightening of border controls and the establishment of the
International Department at the National Office

4. FOCUS AND GOALS OF THE GOVERNMENT FOR THE POLICE
FORCE
Focus
• Responsible for maintaining laws
• Guarantee the safety for public and citizens
• Prevent and investigate crimes
• Training for the emergency situations and natural catastrophes
• TETRA and Police telecommunications Centre increase in the number of drug squad officers
Goals
• Develop and maintain law and order
• Continue to improve the provision of services to citizens
• Tighter boarder control to protect the public
• Stronger drug policing

5. Control of the police force by the government
•
All police activities in the country are operated by the state under one controle
•
Björn Bjarnason
•
Police closely controlled
•
Fundings by the Government
The minister of justice
minister of justice
The National Commissioner of Police
The police school 15 Police Districts

6. THE SYSTEM
Iceland has a close system between the government and the police force. As indicated in the case
study there is an area where the police and the federal government branch converge…
• The police commissioners exercised control of police force, they were also administrative
district commissioners in their regions and also had to performed administrative practices as
well (e.g tax collection, bankruptcy declarations etc.)
• The administrative district commissioners were appointed by the minister of justice. They were
all lawyers with specific requirements for the job.
• Iceland currently has 26 police regions