The op-ed piece highlights a critical view from the Police Union's chair, Katharina von Sydow, regarding the efficacy of the Swedish police force despite large financial investments made over the years. She points out that the funding, which began around two decades ago, lacked a long-term strategic plan, resulting in a workforce filled with inexperienced officers. Presently, about half of the police officers have less than ten years of experience, a concerning statistic as crime rates rise and become more violent.

Von Sydow elaborates that the current issues faced by the police are multifaceted, rooted not only in inadequate funding and leadership but also in the inconsistent support provided by previous and current governments. The article notes that despite doubling their budget and seeing a better organizational structure, fundamental problems with governance and oversight persist. The suggestion is made that a coherent and forward-thinking strategy is essential for the police to effectively combat rising criminal activity.

The piece serves as a wake-up call for political leaders to re-evaluate their approach to policing and to provide necessary, sustainable support for law enforcement agencies. It underscores the urgency of creating a stable and experienced workforce that can adequately respond to the challenges posed by contemporary crime, highlighting the consequences of neglecting the police’s foundational needs in terms of training, management, and personnel growth.