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Local Norway
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Local Norway
'General armament': Why police in Norway could soon carry guns
Can Norwegian police bear arms today? Police in Norway - like their counterparts in the IK (apart from Northern Ireland), New Zealand, Ireland, and Iceland - do not carry weapons when carrying out general duties. Weapons are locked in patrol cars or at police stations, with officers required to obtain permission from the chief of police or someone designated by him/her before they can collect and use weapons. Some specialized units, like the Emergency Response Unit, or Delta Force, are armed whenever deployed. Police can also be temporarily armed, as happened in 2024 when there was a widespread threat to mosques around the country during the Eid al-Fitr festival. READ ALSO: Police in Norway can now patrol streets with firearms What is the new law and when was it passed? The new law, Changes to the police law: armament in daily service, will give Norway's National Police Directorate the power decide to arm police officers firearms in their daily work. The directorate will be able to arm officers without any time limit and regardless of whether there is a severe threat - previously a condition for temporary armament. The directorate will also decide when officers should be unarmed, such as when working with children and youth, during school visits, preventive assignments, hospital security, contact with relatives, or when officers are testifying in court. The directorate can also decide to leave local police forces the right to make an assessment over when or whether armament is necessary. Advertisement When will the new law come into force? The justice ministry hopes that the new law will come into force some time in 2026, after which it will be up to police chiefs to set the terms and extent of arming officers, depending on location, timing and assignment. What's the rationale for the change? There is growing unease over gang crime in Norway, with 38 homicides in 2024, the highest number since 2013. Norway has also suffered several terror attacks over the past few decades, such as the 2022 Oslo shooting, the Bærum mosque shooting, and the 2011 twin attack on Oslo's government quarter and the island of Utøya. "There has been a change in crime patterns whereby organized criminal networks are now armed," Norway's justice minister Astri Aas-Hansen (Labour Party) told VG when she presented the proposal in May. "The police are encountering armed people out there, the threat situation has become sharper. And the police have been very clear in their professional advice to us." Police Chief Ida Melbo Øystese said: "I am grateful for the trust that politicians in the government and the parliament show when they place so much emphasis on the fact that we in the police believe that general armament has become absolutely necessary." Advertisement Who voted for the proposal? The change was passed with a large majority: 81 in favour and only 20 against. Only four of the country's 11 parliamentary parties opposed the proposal, the Social Left Party, the Liberal Party, the Red Party, and he Green Party. Ingvild Wetrhus Thorsvik, from the Liberal Party, said that by passing the law Norway had "crossed a line that marks a radical change for our rule of law". "With widespread arming, the police lose their civil character," she told Norwegian news agency NTB.
BreakingNews.ie
09-06-2025
- BreakingNews.ie
Garda vehicle numbers rise to more than 3,600 after force transformation
An Garda Síochána has the largest fleet of vehicles in its history as well as new technology systems following what has been described as the biggest ever shake-up to the force. Following a transformation process which started in 2018, an information-led policing approach has seen the issue of 15,000 mobility devices which minimise the time it takes to retrieve information. Advertisement Some 700 body-worn cameras are being piloted by officers while vehicle numbers have risen to 3,672 including new specialist vehicles such as two water cannon along with public order and community engagement vans. Transforming An Garda Síochána 2018-2024 was formally launched at the Innovation Centre, Garda Headquarters, Phoenix Park, on Monday. The Garda Emergency Response Unit and Regional Armed Support Units have received investment. Photo: Niall Carson/PA It was compiled to provide an organisational account of the implementation of A Policing Service For Our Future (APSFF) programme. It records the force's strength as of November 2024 as 14,054 Garda members, 3,689 Garda staff along with 319 Garda reserves. Advertisement Among the changes recorded include a new operating model rolled out across 21 divisions which has established four functional areas within each division. These are community engagement; performance assurance; crime; and business services functions, and is described as the biggest structural change in the history of the organisation. Meanwhile the organisation's latest Public Attitudes Survey records public trust in An Garda Síochána at 89 per cent. In the area of human rights, approximately 4,000 Garda personnel have become human rights champions having completed a University of Limerick accredited course in Policing and Human Rights Law in Ireland. Advertisement In terms of health and well-being support, a 24/7 independent helpline and counselling service has been established, as well as 17 full-time employee assistance officers, 1,164 peer supporters, and 3,500 personnel have received mental health first aid training. Garda Commissioner Drew Harris. Photo: PA Ireland Limerick Garda breaks silence after acquittal in '... Read More Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said the report documents the transformation journey. 'It provides an opportunity to reflect on the work that has been done over these past seven years to bring about really meaningful change in our organisation. While we have made progress, there is more to do,' he said. 'And so, Garda Síochána will continue to adapt to the needs of the public and we remain committed to delivering a modern, community-focused policing service to the people of Ireland.' Advertisement
Toronto Sun
06-06-2025
- Toronto Sun
CRIME SCENE: Three men charged, fourth sought in Markham home invasion
Malcolm Tyrone Gittens, 25, of Oshawa faces five charges following Markham home invasion. Photo by York Regional Police Three men have been charged and a fourth suspect is sought for a Markham home invasion that occurred earlier this week. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account York Regional Police say officers responded to a home invasion in the area of Sauder Dr. and Jinnah Ave. shortly after 3 a.m. on Wednesday after three men, armed with one firearm, entered through the front door and confronted the homeowners. The men allegedly assaulted one victim and fled with a quantity of cash in a white, four-door Acura TL sedan. But their escape was thwarted when the suspect vehicle collided with responding police vehicles. Cops say four suspects fled from the vehicle on foot and after a short foot pursuit, two suspects were taken into custody and a firearm was recovered. A third suspect was quickly identified and arrested, with the assistance of the Emergency Response Unit, following the execution of a search warrant at a Mississauga apartment complex. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Raqib Jamal Qaiser, 32, of Bowmanville, Malcom Tyrone Gittens, 25, of Oshawa, and Andrew Clinton Thorne, 26, of Mississauga, all face charges of robbery with a firearm, possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm with ammunition and disguise with intent. Raqib Jamal Qaiser, 32, of Bowmanville faces four charges in connection with a June 4 Markham home invasion. (York Regional Police) Photo by York Regional Police Gittens also faces charges of disobeying order of court and breach of probation while Thorne also faces possession of firearm contrary to prohibition order and two counts of failure to comply with judicial release order. Gittens was on probation and Thorne was on judicial release orders for unrelated offences. Andrew Clinton Thorne, 26, of Mississauga faces six charges in connection with a June 4 Markham home invasion. (York Regional Police) Photo by York Regional Police One suspect is still sought but has yet to be identified. Police released images of the suspects out of concern they may have been involved in other alleged incidents. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to call the Hold-Up Unit at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 6630, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS(8477). Police have released new images of a suspect wanted in an alleged assault on Danztore Path in Oshawa on June 1. (Durham Regional Police) Photo by Durham Regional Police UNIDENTIFIED MAN SOUGHT FOR ALLEGED KNIFE ATTACK IN OSHAWA Investigators have released additional images of a suspect wanted in connection with an assault involving a weapon last weekend in Oshawa. Durham Regional Police say officers responded to reports of an armed person near Steeplechase St. and Windfields Farm Dr. around 10:30 p.m. on Sunday. A man was walking west on Danztore Path when he allegedly approached two people walking in the opposite direction. As they passed each other, police allege the man pulled out a knife and tried to stab one of the other people. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. No injuries were reported. The assailant fled the area prior to police arrival and despite a search of the area, with help from the K9 Unit, the man was not found. The motive for the alleged attack remains under investigation. Anyone with video footage from this area or information about this incident is asked to call police at 1-888-579-1520, ext. 1805, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Read More TWO MARKHAM HOMES SHOT UP DAYS APART Investigators are appealing for witnesses after another Markham residence was targeted in a shooting early Friday. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. York Regional Police say officers responded to a home in the area of 16th Avenue and William Berczy Blvd. around 4 a.m. and found multiple shell casings and visible damage to both the garage and a glass sliding door. Five people were inside the home at the time of the shooting but no injuries were reported. A previous shooting occurred at a neighbouring house last Saturday. The suspect vehicle is described only as a black sport utility vehicle. Investigators need help tracking down a shooter who opened fire on a Markham home from inside an SUV on Saturday, May 31, 2025. Photo by York Regional Police / YouTube (screengrab) Investigators are seeking any additional video surveillance from the area or any dashcam video on the roadways at that time. Anyone with information regarding this investigation is urged to call police at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7541, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Four men are accused of two break-and-enters in Markham and Toronto. York Regional Police say officers responded to the first break-and-enter near Raymerville Dr. and Tunny Cr., in Markham, around 1 p.m. on April 12. The bandits gained entry by smashing a rear glass door but fled after realizing the house was occupied. There were no injuries, police say. Investigators subsequently identified a white Kia Forte as a suspect vehicle and learned it was allegedly associated to additional break-and-enters across York Region. On Tuesday around 10 p.m., officers responded to a residential break-and-enter in the area of Lawrence Ave. W. and Avenue Rd. in Toronto and with the assistance of the Air Support Unit. The suspect vehicle and four suspects were arrested. Charged with related offences are Chabuka Kikalishvili, 36, Hiorhi Popsui, 42, Lasha Keburia, 41, and Davit Bezbakh, 41, all of Toronto. Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to call police at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7545, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Olympics NHL Toronto & GTA Editorial Cartoons Ontario
The Journal
03-06-2025
- General
- The Journal
Large quantity of chemicals found inside barrel at Carlow gunman's bedroom
GARDAÍ INVESTIGATING THE Carlow shopping centre shooting found a large quantity of chemicals inside a barrel at the home of the shooter. It is understood gardaí searched two houses linked to Evan Fitzgerald located on the Wicklow and Carlow border near the village of Kiltegan, some 40 minutes by road from the site of the shooting. Initial tests have determined that the barrel, about the size of a beer keg, contained a chemical accelerant that could be used to make highly flammable incendiary devices. Fitzgerald was due to go on trial in the coming months on 13 separate charges for possession of military spec weapons, gunpowder and nitrate chemicals. He was also charged with offences associated with an assault rifle he bought on the dark web. The Heckler and Koch G3 rifle was seized in March 2024, along with a Remington M1911 handgun and multiple types of ammunition. He had since been charged with possession of other guns and ammunition. He was arrested last year in Co Kildare by specialist gardaí from the Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau, who were assisted by armed officers from the Emergency Response Unit. He was set to hear a date for his trial this week, having appeared before court again last month. Advertisement At a hearing last year, when the then-steel yard worker was granted bail with strict conditions, the court was told he had a 'fascination' with firearms but that the interest was more of a hobby than a 'nefarious' one. Questions regarding his bail status have been raised by numerous politicians since Sunday night. 1 June Fitzgerald went to the shopping centre armed on Sunday evening at around 6.15pm and fired a number of shots into the air. He then died from a self-inflicted shotgun blast as two armed gardaí approached him. Sources have said that a bottle shaped object found on his body was found to contain nothing of concern. A van he used to travel to the shopping centre was also searched but did not contain any illegal or potentially lethal weapons or substances. The Journal believes Fitzgerald was wearing a gas mask during the events of Sunday night, a huge cause of concern for gardaí and military Explosive Ordnance Disposal soldiers as they arrived at the scene. The presence of the gas mask and the bottle on his body caused them to prepare for a possible chemical threat. Inside Fitzgerald's bedroom in the ensuing searches, gardaí found a large blue barrel containing a suspicious liquid which is now being examined to determine why the 22-year-old had it, and if it could have been used as or in a weapon. Gardaí are also examining how Fitzgerald was able to use a legally held firearm to carry out the shooting in Carlow. Investigators have been taking statements from people close to Evan Fitzgerald, as well as those who were among the last to see him before he travelled to the town. A large amount of witness statements from people who were in Carlow town is also being compiled along with a collection of all CCTV available across the gunman's route. An incident room has been set up in Carlow and gardaí have appealed for anyone with video footage to contact them. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
The Journal
03-06-2025
- The Journal
Post-mortem to be carried out later on body of Carlow gunman
A POST-MORTEM examination will be carried out later on the 22-year-old man who died in a shooting incident in Carlow on Sunday. The body of Evan Fitzgerald was removed from the scene of Fairgreen Shopping Centre in Carlow yesterday and taken to the mortuary in Dublin ahead of today's post-mortem by the State Pathologist. A technical examination of the car park scene has finished but the scene remains held and the Fairgreen Shopping Centre remains closed. Yesterday, gardaí began releasing cars from the Shopping Centre car park and access is only granted to people who left a vehicle there. The scene of the fatality outside the Tesco store was also declared safe yesterday after an examination by Irish army explosives officers. Gardaí had called the bomb disposal experts to the scene after observing a bottle containing an unknown substance on the body of the dead man. Advertisement Gardaí were alerted to the shooting incident in Carlow at around 6.15pm on Sunday, 1 June. Fitzgerald, originally from Portrushen Upper near Kiltegan, Co Wicklow, was killed by his own firearm and no shots were fired by gardaí. No one else was injured by any of the shots fired, though a young girl sustained a minor leg injury when she fell while running from the centre. Fitzgerald had been on bail for serious firearms offences and was before the courts last year when he was charged with offences associated with an assault rifle he bought on the dark web. He was arrested last year in Co Kildare by specialist gardaí from the Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau, who were assisted by armed officers from the Emergency Response Unit. He was set to hear a date for his trial, having appeared before court again last month. At a previous hearing last year, where Fitzgerald was granted bail with strict conditions, the court was told he had a 'fascination' with firearms but that the interest was more of a hobby rather than a 'nefarious' one. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
