Police chief highlights urgent need for more officers in East North Iceland amidst rising crime rates

Police issues in East North Iceland: No increase in officers despite rising challenges

There has been no increase in the number of police officers in East North Iceland, despite warnings from the police chief about the growing workload. The police chief stated that the need for more personnel is urgent, as the volume of serious crimes in the region has significantly increased in recent years.

In 2023, police in Akureyri were armed five times more frequently than in previous years, reflecting a rise in serious offenses and violence against officers. Despite multiple discussions and meetings with the authorities advocating for increased police staffing, there has been no fruitful outcome.

The region did receive government funding to hire one officer for community policing over the next two years. However, the police chief insists that more is needed. There is a strong community demand for enhanced preventive measures, improved law enforcement, and better protection for children and youth.

Páley Borgþórsdóttir, the police chief, noted that the number of officers on emergency call duty is comparable to levels seen 40 years ago. She cited heavy responsibilities, including homicide, severe assaults, knife attacks, and organized crime. The cases the police handle have become notably more serious compared to previous years, highlighting an escalation in public safety challenges.

Borgþórsdóttir emphasized that this issue extends beyond East Iceland, calling for an increased police presence nationwide. She stated that compared to other Nordic countries, Iceland is significantly behind in terms of police staffing, stressing the importance of action before conditions worsen.