On Friday night, the Oslo police stopped 950 people to check if they were carrying weapons. Police believe recent episodes of violence show why it is necessary.
–
A dozen police officers, both in uniform and in civilian clothes, have been involved in the action that started at 10 pm on Friday night at Jernbanetorget in central Oslo.
After only ten minutes, the police had arrested two people carrying stabbing weapons.
– We believe that they have not had a so-called justifiable reason to carry a knife, and they will be reported for it, says operations manager Rune Hekkelstrand to VG.
He is supported by the evening’s former operations manager Vidar Pedersen, who stated to VG:
– I can hardly see that you can have a justifiable reason to carry a stabbing weapon in your pocket on a Friday night.
Operations Manager Hekkelstrand describes weapons visits as one of the police’s many tools to prevent violence and unwanted incidents.
After one hour, the action was over. At that time, the police had checked 950 people, of which two people were reported for carrying a knife.
In addition, there were a couple who carried a knife, but who had a so-called worthy purpose.
– For example, a chef on his way home from work, Hekkelstrand explains.
Not by chance
Pursuant to section 7A of the Police Act, the police are allowed to visit persons when there is reason to investigate whether someone is in possession of or storing a weapon.
One of the criteria is that such checks must be carried out in places where such criminal acts, from experience, take place.
– We have wanted to cover a specific area where we have experience that people can be in possession of that type of weapon, but it also has to do with what has happened lately, says Hekkelstrand.
His colleague Vidar Pedersen believes that the episodes of violence that have taken place in the capital recently show why it is necessary for the police to carry out such actions.
– How do you pick out the people who are checked?
– Enough assessments are made on the spot by those who check. It is not a given that they control everyone, says Pedersen.
Operations Manager Hekkelstrand explains that the police will in each individual case assess whether those who carry weapons have a justifiable reason to do so – ie whether they have a legitimate reason.
Several episodes of violence in Oslo recently
The recent stabbings and shooting episodes in Oslo have attracted attention. No later than Monday this week a man was stabbed at Oslo Central Station.
In just ten weeks, there have been eight shooting episodes in the capital since the summer holidays. The seemingly independent episodes have taken place both in Vika in central Oslo and in five different places on the eastern edge of Oslo.
THE SEA: The shots in Oslo
On Monday, City Councilor Raymond Johansen, Minister of Justice Emilie Enger Mehl and the Chief of Police in Oslo will discuss the recent shootings in the capital.
–
