Suojelupoliisi

Suojelupoliisi (in Finnish, Supo informally), or Skyddspolisen (in Swedish, Skypo informally), is Finland's security police. Directly translated, "suojelupoliisi" means "protection police", though the official English translation is "security police". It is composed of policemen with additional training, staff numbering 200. It specializes in preventing security threats and participates in protecting the parliamentary democracy as well as protecting the nation's security interests.

Supo was formed in 1949 to replace its predecessor, Valtiollinen Poliisi ("State Police") or Valpo. In the aftermath of the Second World War the leadership positions of Valpo had been filled by communists and some of its activities were found erroneous and illegal by an investigation committee. Valpo was closed after the Weapons Cache Case.

The bureau's central duties include counter-terrorism, counter intelligence, preventing internal security threats within the nation, pre-emptive security work and guard work. It also participates in cracking down international crime, and provides expert services for industrial counterintelligence and personal background checks. For example, refugees will be investigated by Supo to determine whether or not they are under persecution in their home country, and Finnish corporations may request assistance in the prevention of industrial espionage.

Supo does not have special tactical units. These duties are handled by Osasto Karhu, the special duties unit of Finnish police.

References

* [http://www.poliisi.fi/poliisi/supo/home.nsf/pages/indexeng Official web site (in English)]