Norway has lost over 630 police officers with essential weapon authorization since 2020, a decline that union leaders and politicians warn could undermine operational policing and public safety. The number of police personnel holding IP4 certification—required for carrying firearms during patrols and operational duties—fell from 5,414 in 2020 to 4,783 by the second quarter of 2025, according to data from the Police Directorate. This steady annual decrease highlights resource allocation challenges within the force, as investigators and other staff miss out on mandatory training due to budget priorities. With organized crime on the rise in cities like Oslo and Bergen, the drop in certified officers raises urgent questions about the police's capacity to handle threats.
The Critical Role of IP4 Certification
IP4 authorization is a fundamental requirement for Norwegian police officers engaged in front-line duties. It mandates 48 hours of operational training, including first aid, vehicle handling, and passing shooting tests for service weapons. Without this certification, officers cannot perform core tasks such as executing search warrants, making arrests, or managing individuals who pose a threat to society. Kristian Myhra, chief union representative for the Police Federation in Telemark, emphasizes that the decline isn't due to failures in shooting tests but rather a systemic issue of resource distribution. He notes that employers have prioritized other areas, leaving investigators without opportunities to train and maintain their certification. This shift affects the police's reserve of personnel ready for all types of operational service, potentially straining response teams during incidents.
A Four-Year Decline in Operational Readiness
The downward trend in IP4-certified officers has been consistent, with numbers falling every year from 2020 through mid-2025. The reduction of over 630 personnel represents a significant dip in the operational pool, equivalent to losing more than a tenth of the authorized force in four and a half years. Myhra points out that this isn't a minor fluctuation but a deliberate outcome of internal priorities. Police management has assessed that resources cannot be allocated for IP training in certain roles, particularly for investigators who may not be on regular patrol but still require certification for emergency responses. This decision impacts districts across Norway, from the Arctic north to southern fjord communities, where police must cover vast areas with limited staff. The data underscores a broader pattern where administrative and investigative functions are being separated from armed readiness, altering the traditional model of Norwegian policing.
Union and Political Reactions
Reactions from both union representatives and political figures have been sharply critical. Kristian Myhra states that the police are losing their reserve of personnel capable of full operational duties, which could lead to delays in critical situations. He stresses that this isn't about competency but about training access, with investigators sidelined due to cost-cutting measures. On the political front, Helene Røsholt, a Conservative Party member of the Storting, calls the situation serious and directly linked to weakening public trust. She cites increased crime rates and more organized criminal activity in Norway as reasons why the decline in weapon-certified officers is alarming. Røsholt argues that while the police force expands in size, the proportion without authorization grows, creating a mismatch between staffing and capability. Her comments reflect broader concerns in the Storting about law enforcement preparedness, especially amid debates on Arctic security and urban violence.