henkilötarkastus

Henkilötarkastus, often translated as a personal search or stop and search, is a procedure in Finnish law enforcement that allows police officers to conduct a search of an individual and their immediate belongings. This measure is implemented under specific legal grounds to prevent criminal offenses, enforce laws, or ensure public safety.

The primary legal basis for a henkilötarkastus is found in the Police Act (Poliisilaki). An officer can perform a personal search if there is a reasonable suspicion that the person has committed or is about to commit a crime, is carrying illegal items such as weapons or drugs, or if the search is necessary to identify the person. The search must be proportionate to the suspected offense or the reason for the search.

During a henkilötarkastus, an officer may ask the individual to empty their pockets, open their bags, or in some cases, remove outer layers of clothing. The extent of the search is limited to what is necessary to achieve the lawful objective. Searches are typically conducted in a manner that respects the dignity and privacy of the individual as much as possible.

If a henkilötarkastus leads to the discovery of illegal items or evidence of a crime, these may be seized. The person being searched has the right to be informed of the reason for the search and their rights. While generally carried out by police, other authorized officials may also have limited powers to conduct similar searches in specific contexts, such as customs officers. The process is designed to be a tool for maintaining order and security while safeguarding individual rights.