Tasks and Objectives for the Police

The police mission is also described in the Police Act (1984:387). Among other things, it states that the police shall prevent crime, monitor public order and safety, conduct reconnaissance and carry out criminal investigations.

The Government's appropriation directions

Each year, the police mission is supplemented through the appropriation directions issued by the Government. This outlines the goals that the Government wishes to see achieved by the police during the current year.
In the appropriation directions for the financial year 2013, it states that the police shall:

• Contribute to increasing people's security and that it is important that a high degree of confidence in the police is established.
• Continue working to improve police operations and achieve better operational results.
• Continue efforts to improve the management of cases involving adolescents and children.
• Specific assignments that are outlined relate to, for example, examining the quality of criminial investigation activities, initiating an information campaign on crime in close relationships, and implementing measures against crime relating to a criminal lifestyle.

The National Police Commissioner's focus

In the National Police Commissioner's directional document, the Commissioner provides an interpretation of the Swedish Police mission based on the appropriation directions, as well as a description of how it will be implemented. The Commissioner also highlights priority areas and formulates goals for the police work.