Rikosrekisteriä

Rikosrekisteri, often translated as the criminal records register, is a central database maintained by Finnish authorities that holds information about individuals who have been convicted of crimes. This register is a critical tool for law enforcement, judicial processes, and certain employment and licensing requirements within Finland.

The information contained within the Rikosrekisteri typically includes details of criminal offenses, the dates of convictions, and the penalties imposed. Access to this information is strictly regulated to protect privacy. Generally, only official bodies with a legitimate need, such as the police, prosecutors, and courts, can access the register for specific purposes. Private individuals cannot access their own criminal record directly from the register itself, but they can request an extract of their record for specific purposes.

Certain professions and activities in Finland require a criminal record check. This means that employers in sensitive sectors, such as those involving children, healthcare, or security, may request an extract from the Rikosrekisteri as part of their hiring process. The purpose of these checks is to ensure public safety and to maintain trust in professions that handle vulnerable individuals or sensitive information. The rules governing who can request an extract and for what reasons are defined by Finnish law.