NCJ Number
73726
Journal
Kriminalist Volume: 9 Issue: 12 Dated: (December 1977) Pages: 637-638,640-642,644
Date Published
1977
Length
6 pages
Annotation
The organization of Sweden's national police force and, in particular, of its national headquarters is described in this West German journal.
Abstract
Before the nationalization of the police in 1965, police affairs were the responsibility of the various municipalities. The reorganization aimed at increasing police effectiveness as crime rates and the use of motor vehicles rose. National, regional, and district levels of organization were established. A police superintendent, an assistant superintendent, and six members of Parliament are in charge of the national headquarters with a secretariat and four divisions. The secretariat serves the superintendent directly and also provides the public with information on police activities. An executive division handles the affairs of uniformed police officers and criminal investigations. The latter section coordinates investigations on the national level, seeks to improve investigative techniques and routine procedures, and maintains a working relationship with INTERPOL. A technical and training division acquires police equipment, watches over maintenance, coordinates communications, directs facility construction, and administers the recruitment and training of police officers. An administrative division is responsible for the financial management of the entire police system including the purchase of supplies, the preparation of contracts, and payments for damages. A computer unit maintains information systems on wanted persons and stolen vehicles and traffic and criminal offenses as well as systems for records selection fingerprints, trace-finding, and information retrieval. Organization charts, data tables, and footnotes are included.