Operational Policing in Transition

• In Event: POLWG Panel 14. Police Culture: Police Officer identity, values and the impact of police reform

Abstract

This presentation focuses on how operational policing in Norway is changing both structurally and culturally. Following the opening of the Police National Emergency Response Center, operational policing in Oslo has undergone structural changes, aligning more closely with the organization of policing in Sweden. A dedicated unit named Echo has been established in Oslo, where approximately half of the personnel from the police districts’ tactical emergency units (UEH) are stationed. This presentation is based on an ethnographic study of the unit. I have conducted a total of 213 hours of observation, covering both the selection process and patrol work, primarily within Echo. Additionally, I have conducted 26 interviews with various police personnel—14 men and 12 women—each lasting between one and three hours.
At the time of Echo's establishment, concerns were raised about the potential development of a negative culture within the unit. These concerns followed two interrelated lines of reasoning. First, there was apprehension that Echo would focus primarily on training for rare but severe incidents, such as terrorism and serious organized crime, rather than engaging in regular patrol work to meet the city's everyday policing needs. Second, there was concern that a "cult of masculinity" might emerge, as has been observed in some specialized police units in the past.
I will discuss to what extent these concerns have materialized and explore how cultural shifts can mitigate the unintended consequences of structural changes.

Author

• Nina Jon, Norwegian Police University College