Justice Department says yes to continued armament – VG

The Ministry of Justice says yes to continue temporarily arming of police. The permit is valid until 20 August.

The assessment is based on an updated threat assessment and Police Directorate’s assessment of the measures necessary to implement it, said Ministry of Justice on Wednesday.

The threat assessment is unchanged from the last time the consent was given.

Comment: No to sneak-arming of the police

Police Directorate (POD) asked the Ministry of Justice for permission to remain temporarily arming of police. Directorate has conducted a risk and vulnerability to identify measures that can reduce or eliminate the need for temporary armament but has no suggestions for alternative measures.

– Should ensure citizens

– I am concerned that the police action in the difficult situation we are going to be satisfactory and ensure citizens and police best against terrorist attacks. Based on the threat PST conveys and the clear recommendation from POD, I believe it is important that the temporary arming continues, says Justice Minister Anders Anundsen (FRP).

According to the minister still considered measures other than temporary armament.

In November last year, the Ministry authorized a temporary arming of police. The reason for Armament is that Police Security Service (PST) believes uniformed police are potential terrorist targets.

Worried permanent armament

Bevæpningstillatelsen applies uniformed emergency responders in three categories : IP1 (emergency squad), IP3 (police districts emergency units) and IP4 (general response personnel with annual training and acceptance test for service weapons).

See also: SV warns against creeping introduction of permanent weapons permit

It was last November that Justice and Public Security Minister Anders Anundsen (FRP) gave police access to general, temporary armament on the basis of threat assessment from PST where police and military personnel cited as particularly vulnerable target for Islamists.

Several have expressed concern that the workaround will pave the way for permanent arming of the Norwegian police.