Suojelupoliisi

Suojelupoliisi, commonly abbreviated SUPO, is Finland's national security intelligence service responsible for internal security, counterintelligence, and counter-terrorism. Its mission is to identify and neutralize threats to Finland's constitutional order and democratic society, protect critical infrastructure, and support other authorities in safeguarding the public. SUPO operates primarily in the realm of intelligence and analysis rather than routine policing, coordinating with police, border authorities, and other security agencies.

Under the authority of the Ministry of the Interior, SUPO collects information through human intelligence, open-source analysis, and other lawful means, and it shares assessed risk with relevant partners. Its work is governed by Finnish law, including provisions on national security, surveillance and data protection, and it is subject to parliamentary oversight.

Organization and cooperation are central to SUPO's functioning. The agency maintains a headquarters in Helsinki, with regional presence and specialized units in counterintelligence, counter-terrorism, and cyber security, reporting to the director general. It collaborates with international partners through the European Union, and NATO since 2023, and participates in joint operations and information sharing with allied services.

History and context are tied to Finland's evolving approach to security. The current SUPO structure was established in 2016 through a government reform that unified state security intelligence and police security functions into a single agency. It serves as Finland's primary body for assessing domestic security risks and advising the government on counter-terrorism and internal security policy.