Lögregluna

Lögregluna is the Icelandic term used to refer to the police as a collective entity. It is the definite form of lögregla, the word for law enforcement, and is used in Icelandic to denote the police service as a whole.

The police service of Iceland, commonly referred to in English as the Lögreglan, is the national law enforcement agency. It operates under the Ministry of Justice and is led by the Lögreglustjóri, the Police Commissioner. The force is organized into regional police districts and a capital-area command, with responsibilities that include maintaining public order, preventing and investigating crime, enforcing traffic laws, and coordinating border control in collaboration with other authorities.

Policing in Iceland emphasizes de-escalation, community engagement, and respect for human rights. Officers are typically not armed; firearms are carried only by specially trained units under strict authorization and operational rules. The Lögreglan uses a mix of patrols, criminal investigations, forensics, cybercrime units, and other specialized capabilities to carry out its duties.

Accountability and oversight are central to the Lögreglan’s functioning. The service operates under Icelandic law with internal and external supervision, and it maintains complaint mechanisms for the public. Annual reports and audits are published to promote transparency and public confidence.

History and context: the modern Lögreglan developed in the 20th century as Iceland expanded and modernized its public safety institutions, building on earlier local forms of law enforcement. Today, it serves as the primary mechanism for maintaining safety, enforcing laws, and supporting the rule of law in Iceland.