Norway’s Police Security Service to get 100 million kroner to strengthen security, especially in the north

The Norwegian government wants to give NOK 100 million to the Police Security Service (PST) to strengthen security, especially in the north.

The funds should be directed at foreign intelligence, complex threats, and an increased presence in the High North.

“The government wants to strengthen the security of the Norwegian population and Norwegian interests – and we want to do it quickly. We, therefore, propose a number of measures to secure Norway. We must prevent, detect and counter intelligence, sabotage, and influence from foreign states in Norway. We will strengthen that work with a total of NOK 100 million,” Minister of Justice and Emergency Management Emilie Enger Mehl (SP) said on Wednesday.

The PST assesses the threat level in Norway on an ongoing basis and follows the situation closely. They believe the intelligence threat from Russia in Norway has increased.

A stronger PST and police presence

“Therefore, we want to strengthen the PST and the police with personnel and equipment, which will provide increased operational capability and presence, especially in our northernmost counties. We are strengthening this segment with NOK 57 million, which will go to the new unit in the police and PST aimed at complex threats, as well as increased counter-intelligence and presence in Northern Norway,” Mehl added.

She stated that, at the same time, there is a need for equipment so that the PST can detect foreign activity in Norway to an even greater extent.

“In addition, the PST should receive NOK 45 million for equipment that can be used to obtain and compile information and uncover the activity of foreign states in Norway.” 

In this context, the government also wants to ensure improved control on Svalbard. It is proposing NOK 8 million for the introduction of random personal checks on Svalbard.

Source: © NTB Scanpix / #Norway Today / #NorwayTodayNews

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