Moderate Party Proposes Municipal Security Officers to Enhance Community Safety

The Moderate Party is currently discussing a new initiative aimed at strengthening local security across Swedish municipalities. This proposal is part of a broader strategy to address crime and enhance public safety, which the party plans to emphasize in upcoming election campaigns.

Previous party conferences have highlighted growing dissatisfaction with the limited presence of police officers in local communities. This has led to calls for municipalities to be granted the authority to employ their own police officers. However, the party leadership has now put forward an alternative approach, suggesting the introduction of a new category of municipal security officers.

Under the proposed framework, these municipal security officers would be publicly employed and tasked with maintaining public order throughout the entire geographic area of their respective municipalities, rather than being restricted to specific zones. The initiative aims to bridge the current gap between the roles of traditional police officers and existing security personnel, such as public order officers (ordningsvakter).

According to the proposal, municipal security officers would receive more extensive training than current public order officers and would be equipped with advanced tools to support their duties. Standard equipment would include batons, handcuffs, and pepper spray, with the possibility of carrying tasers and firearms based on individual assessments conducted by the police. The security officers would also have expanded authority to transport and detain individuals, particularly in situations involving wanted persons, intoxicated individuals, or minors who have left supervised care facilities.

One of the key responsibilities of the municipal security officers would be to intervene when young people are found in unsuitable environments. In such cases, they would have the authority to escort these youths home and would be required to submit reports of concern regarding their welfare when necessary.

The role is envisioned as an intermediary function, offering a level of authority and capability that sits between that of the police and current public order officers. The party leadership expects this new category of security personnel to play a significant role in enhancing community safety and responding more effectively to local challenges.

In summary, the Moderate Party's proposal seeks to expand municipal capacity to maintain order and address crime through the creation of specialized security officers. The initiative is designed to provide municipalities with additional resources and expertise, ultimately aiming to foster safer communities and respond more efficiently to incidents requiring intervention.