The Norwegian Narcotics Police Association, often called the NNPF, is a non-profit organization The organization has approximately 3600 members from the Police, Customs, the Prosecution Authority, the Prison and Probation Service and the Armed Forces The NNPF was an active participant in the debate on the government’s drug reform and clearly marked opposition to the reform, which was later voted down. They are fighting to maintain a strict penalty line in drug cases. NNPF itself writes that they work to strengthen the efforts against drugs and aims to collect, systematize and disseminate information and knowledge about this.
Source: Norwegian Narcotics Police Association
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Experiences that questions are asked about impartiality
In a press release on Tuesday, it became clear that the police director has requested that the Ministry of Justice and Emergency Preparedness take over the investigation work.
– The police are dependent on the population having confidence in the announced review of the police ’s relationship with NNPF and other voluntary police organizations, the press release from the Norwegian Police Directorate (POD) states.
POD writes that the decision is made in light of recent movements in the case, and since questions are still being asked about the directorate’s impartiality.
– Although I believe we are fit and able to formulate a mandate and appoint a committee, it is less relevant if there is an impression in the public that we do not have the necessary impartiality, Bjørnland comments.
Associate Professor at the Police Academy: – Happy
Associate Professor Katrine Holter at the Norwegian Police University College, who was out early to request an independent investigation, says that it is gratifying to see that the Police Directorate is now in favor of a completely independent investigation.
– This testifies that POD takes the criticism that has come very seriously. It would be unfortunate for everyone, especially the police themselves, if the results of an investigation could have been accused of being a commissioned work, says Holter.
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SATISFIED: Katrine Holter teaches at the Police Academy, and has several times emphasized the need for the investigation to be completely independent. Photo: Hallgeir Vagenes
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Now she hopes that the Ministry of Justice will ensure that the investigation has good framework conditions, and points out that the police ’s search practice should also be seen in connection with collusion between the police and NNPF.
– Sufficient resources must be set aside for a committee to carry out the necessary investigations. Furthermore, all the criticism that has come around the search practice in minor drug cases, indicates that the committee should be given a broad mandate, Holter points out.
Believes that search practices should be investigated at the same time
Kenneth Arctander Johansen, leader of the user organization RIO, believes this is an important development in the case.
– What is important now is that there will be an open process where everyone can contribute with input the mandate and proposals for members, Johansen points out.
He points out that people with substance abuse problems, and especially minority youth, generally have little confidence in the police .
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EXPECTANT: Kenneth Arctander Johansen, leader of the user organization RIO, is happy with today’s news – but expects that the investigation will also address several issues. Photo: Tore Kristiansen
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– Many have experience with punishment, invasive search and humiliating treatment. NNPF has fought for the police to have access to these instruments which we now know are illegal, says the RIO leader.
He therefore believes, like Holter, that the practice of illegal searches against users is also the subject of the investigation, and seen in the context of the police ’s role as a political actor.
– They have not been able to do so to the same extent as now without the documented collusion with NNPF.
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