polismyndighet

Polismyndigheten, or the Swedish Police Authority, is the government agency responsible for policing in Sweden. It operates under the Ministry of Justice and serves as the central authority for preventing crime, investigating offenses, maintaining public order, and upholding the rule of law across the country.

The agency was created in 2015 through the consolidation of the eight county police authorities and the Swedish Police Board. The reform aimed to improve efficiency, consistency, and nationwide coordination by establishing a single, unified national police force with standardized procedures and training.

Structure and leadership: The authority is led by the National Police Commissioner, who reports to the Minister for Justice. It comprises a central administration in Stockholm and multiple police regions that cover the country, working with local police units as part of one national organization.

Key tasks include crime prevention, investigative work, patrols and rapid response, traffic policing, and public order management. The Police Authority also handles emergency preparedness, cybercrime, and cross-border cooperation, coordinating with other agencies and international partners as needed.

Accountability and oversight: Polismyndigheten operates under Swedish law and is subject to government supervision, parliamentary scrutiny, and the Parliamentary Ombudsman. It emphasizes human rights, transparency, and performance reporting, with regular budget and strategy discussions in the government and parliament.