Finland Times

The oldest unit of Finnish law enforcement department, Knight Police, has lost its utility in the modern day that raised question among many about its existence.   

Officials at the police department hinted that one out of two horse riding units of Knight Police in the country might face closure soon due to lack usefulness.

Presently there are two Knight Police units – one in Helsinki and the other in Turku -- in which the operation of Turku unit is running with only two horses and the authority is now thinking to abolish the unit there.

“There is no basic use of the Knight police in the main activities of the police forces,” the Assistant Police Chief of Middle Finland, Jukka Mäkilähde said, adding that the Turku unit of the Knight Police might be closed down.

The official, however, said that the authority is yet to take final decision to this end.

Mäkilähde said that the Knight Police was not being used to check traffic rules violation or any other crimes at this moment and hinted that considering the coast-benefit aspects it might be abolished in near future.

The assistant chief of police also said that the value of the Knight Police is still high to the people.

“You can still see Knight Polices at Turku this summer because detail discussion regarding abolishing the Knight Police will be taken place in Autumn,” said Mäkilähde.

Sources said that the future of the Helsinki Knight Police unit, running with seven horses is still secured. The unit is also going to buy one more horse for its operation.

Nine policemen are working in the unit established in 1882 along with Helsinki police department and it is the oldest unit of Helsinki police, which still operative along with the other modern units of the department.

Sources said that the horses of the unit have basic training and they are at least six years old. The horses generally continue its services in the department until 15 years old.

The main duty of the every Knight Police is now conducting two patrols per day in Helsinki city centre and adjoining areas.

The Knight Police unit also travels to other cities on various occasions, sources said.