Police manpower drops sharply, prompting military assistance and calls for new training model

Ida Melbo Øystese told the public that citizens should not expect police presence when crimes occur, reflecting a sharp drop of over 500 operational officers. The reduction, noted by Justice Committee leader Jon Helgheim, has coincided with rising gang activity and an influx of criminal networks from Sweden, creating a heavy burden on Oslo's police. Helgheim criticised the government's passive stance and the justice minister's lack of direction, urging a rapid increase in resources.

He proposed a shortened, one-year police training focused on guard and security tasks to quickly augment the force. The armed forces have already been called upon to handle guard and security assignments, especially during the summer holiday period. The ruling Labour government counters that overall police employment is at a historic high and that the budget has risen, emphasizing digitalisation and better task allocation as solutions.