Background & Purpose
Police officers tackling serious, organized crime face high risks of threats, violence, and retaliation directed both at themselves and their families.
Proposals & Debate
The government proposed changes to the Police Act and the Public Access to Information and Secrecy Act to allow officers working against criminal networks to use alternative names when signing decisions and documenting actions like searches and seizures.
The Decision
The Swedish parliament voted in favor of the government's legislative proposal, implementing a temporary law from April 30, 2024, to April 29, 2029.
Does this affect you?
- Police officers in organized crime units: They can sign official documents anonymously or under an alias to avoid personal exposure and threats.
- Police families: They receive better protection as criminals find it harder to trace individual officers through public documentation.
In Practice
- Police officers working against organized crime can sign official documents using an alias instead of their real name.
- The rule applies to documentation surrounding interventions, searches, and seizures of weapons, drugs, and cash.
- Family members of police officers also gain better indirect protection against targeted attacks from criminals.
- The temporary regulation applies for a five-year period until April 2029.