Police face coverings raise concerns over accountability in Finland

The practice of police officers covering their faces during official duties has become increasingly common in Finland, prompting calls for clear guidelines on the matter. According to Henri Rikander, a senior lecturer in police law and former police officer, there is currently no recognition of such face coverings in the police’s equipment catalog, nor is there any mention in regulations. Consequently, the use of hoods falls entirely on the officer’s discretion.

Legally, police must be identifiable, typically indicated by a name badge on their uniforms. However, the Police Administration has issued a directive allowing a commanding officer to replace a name badge with a number in certain situations. Rikander suggests similar guidance is necessary for instances of face-covering, to ensure accountability in decision-making.

The Ombudsman has also weighed in, highlighting that unnecessary masking by police could undermine public trust in their duties. In 2021, concerns were raised when two masked officers transported a suspect in a major drug case, arguing that anonymity was needed to protect operational security. The Ombudsman concluded that this behavior did not align with police accountability standards.

Despite the rise in instances where police conceal their faces, such as members of specialized units like Karhu (Bear), no concrete data or monitoring exists. Rikander attributes this trend to the growth of organized crime, as certain dangerous groups harbor long-standing resentment against police. Masks are also employed for protection against physical threats.

Jonne Rinne, president of the Finnish police organizations’ union, expressed concern over the rise in targeted attacks and the influence of organized crime. While he acknowledges the need for discussions about these practices, he believes that creating comprehensive guidelines may be challenging due to the variety of police responsibilities.