The Icelandic government has secured funding for 50 new police positions to combat organised crime and gang violence. Recruitment is expected to begin soon, alongside efforts to boost enrolment in police training.
Growing concerns about organised crime
The Ministry of Justice confirmed the funding for 50 new police positions, with details on how they will be distributed across police districts to be announced in the coming days, RÚV reports.
Speaking to RÚV, Minister of Justice Þorbjörg Sigríður Gunnlaugsdóttir said the move aims to strengthen law enforcement in response to growing concerns about organised crime and gang activity in the country. “Gangs do exist in Iceland,” she said. “That’s just a fact—they are part of organised criminal activity […] this is one of the reasons we are reinforcing the police.”
In addition to increasing police numbers, the government is encouraging more people to apply for police training. The application deadline is March 31. “This is one of the most important professions we have in Iceland,” Þorbjörg stated. “We are expanding both recruitment and education to respond to current challenges.”
Þorbjörg said she hopes hiring can begin within days to give police districts time to advertise the positions.
Asked whether the ministry was considering higher salaries to retain officers, the minister acknowledged the need to discuss pay and working conditions. “An important way to improve the work environment is simply to increase staffing,” she said, adding that she hopes the government’s clear commitment to law enforcement will make the profession more attractive.
