Finland Times

 

File Photo – Lehtikuva.

The National Police Board has issued a strict code prohibiting police officers from riding public transportation for free.

 

The board in a letter addressed to all police officers has reminded them that they may not simply flash their badges in order to secure benefits, reported the Finnish language newspaper consortium Lännen Media.

 

The guidelines emphasise that police officers must always purchase a civilian transportation ticket and that they may not travel via public transport just by showing a badge.

 

In the past, for example, uniformed police officers that received free train trips and discounts from the service station provoked debate.

 

Deputy National Police Commissioner Jyrki Wasastjerna of the National Police Board told the Lännen Media that the letter is related to the national railway operator VR-Group contacts, according to which, some police officers have been trying to travel by train by showing their badges.

 

According to the Civil Service Act, a public official may not demand, accept or receive any financial or other benefit, if it undermines the confidence in the official’s authority.