Imatra police station faces staffing crisis as recruitment struggles continue in Finland

The Imatra police station near the eastern border of Finland is facing significant challenges in staffing, with few applicants interested in positions there. Police Chief Ari Karvonen from the Southeastern Finland Police explains that attracting personnel has been difficult; applicants may come but often do not stay long. For instance, two new officers were hired last summer but left after just one month. Young officers prefer dynamic areas with vibrant recreational activities and supportive social circles, which greatly influence their decisions.

Despite the challenges, the police maintain consistent service response times, but there is currently a shortage of personnel dedicated to crime prevention. Karvonen notes that salaries are determined by rank rather than location, making it hard for them to compete with private companies that may offer higher wages to attract talent.

The future of the police station in Imatra is uncertain due to ongoing recruitment issues. The Southeastern Finland Police have launched an investigation into how police operations in the area can be maintained and what services can be provided moving forward, with plans to potentially relinquish the current premises, which are aging and costly.

In early September, local municipalities expressed their concerns regarding the potential downsizing of police functions, emphasizing that it would significantly impair regional safety and residents’ sense of security. Chief Karvonen reassured that effective policing does not rely solely on physical buildings, but rather on the police’s operational methods; operations are currently managed from Kouvola, with police cars effectively serving as mobile offices where most functions are handled.