Police powers and the key principles of policing in Finland have been formulated in accordance with constitutional and human rights, and to ensure that the Finnish Police are capable of effective cooperation in the fight against international crime. In addition, police operations are guided by police ethics and public expectations. Under national legislation, the function of the Finnish Police is to secure judicial and social order, to maintain public order and security, to prevent and investigate crimes, and to submit cases to prosecutors for consideration of charges. The Police also have to perform such other duties as are separately provided for them by law, and provide anyone with assistance if it falls within their mandate. The Finnish Police operate on the basis of performance guidance procedures, and the main focus areas and targets are re-evaluated annually in a performance plan.
