Icelandic Police#Transport

The police can trace its origins to 1778 when the first traces of industry started to appear. Up until that time, the law had been enforced first by individuals permitted to do so by the Althing and then by sýslumenn (sheriffs) and other Royal proxies.{{cite web|title=The Police: A Historic Sketch|publisher=The National Commissioner of the Police|date=April 2003|url=http://www.logregla.is/upload/files/RLS280504.pdf|editor-last=Guðjónsson|editor-first=Guðmundur|access-date=30 October 2014|page=6|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140108185323/http://www.logregla.is/upload/files/RLS280504.pdf|archive-date=8 January 2014}}

The first policemen are considered to be the morning star-armed night watchmen of Reykjavík who were commissioned primarily to deter the prisoners of the Reykjavík prison from breaking into the {{Interlanguage link|Innréttingarnar|is|3=Innréttingarnar|vertical-align=sup}}.The Police: A Historic Sketch, p. 9-10.

In 1803, the first proper policemen were commissioned in Reykjavík as it became a free town or {{Interlanguage link|kaupstaður|is|3=kaupstaður|vertical-align=sup}}. The first police chief was Rasmus Frydensberg, the town mayor, who hired two former soldiers, Ole Biørn and Vilhelm Nolte, as the first policemen. It was not until shortly after 1891 that policemen were hired in most of the other areas of Iceland.The Police: A Historic Sketch, p. 15.

In 1933 Alþingi passed the Police Act which provided state participation in financing of police forces. This was done mostly in response to the threat of a communist revolution, whose capabilities had become apparent in a violent attempt to force the decisions of the Reykjavík city council, where a large part of the police forces went out of action as a result of physical injury. The act also authorized the Minister of Justice and Ecclesiastical affairs to call out reserves in critical situations.The Police: A Historic Sketch, p. 24.

In 1972 the state took over command of law enforcement in Iceland, creating the National Police and in 1977 State Criminal Investigation Police started operations under a special Director. The State Investigation Police took over investigations of criminal activities that previously were under the control of the Reykjavík Criminal Court and police commissioners in the Capital Region.The Police: A Historic Sketch, p. 25. The National Commissioner of the Police was formed in 1997, and the State Criminal Investigation Police was decommissioned.The Police: A Historic Sketch, p. 32.

On 2 December 2013, a person died due to an armed police operation for the first and currently only time in Iceland's history. Police had responded to reports of shotgun fire in an apartment in Árbær, a neighborhood of Reykjavík. Initially tear gas was used in an attempt to subdue the gunman,{{cite news|author=|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-25190119|title=Rare Iceland armed police operation leaves man dead|date=2 December 2013|publisher=BBC|access-date=30 October 2014}} a 59-year-old man, but it failed to affect him.

When the special police unit entered the apartment in question, two officers were injured by shotgun fire. One officer was holding a ballistic shield which was hit. The other officer was hit in the head, but was wearing a ballistic helmet. Two officers with ballistic shields and pistols returned four shots, two of them striking the gunman. The gunman was taken to the hospital but pronounced dead upon arrival. National Police Commissioner Haraldur Johannessen immediately apologised to the man's family, calling the incident "unprecedented". The shooter's motives were not immediately clear, though some neighbours reported the gunman was making threats towards them.{{cite news|author=|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/europe/2013/12/regret-over-iceland-first-police-shooting-2013122223047476442.html|title=Regret over Iceland's first police shooting|date=3 December 2013|publisher=Al Jazeera|access-date=30 October 2014}} An investigation into this incident was launched, and the guns involved on all sides were seized. Counseling was offered to the officers involved.{{cite news|author=Malcolm|url=http://www.icenews.is/2013/12/03/first-fatal-police-shooting-in-iceland-leaves-gunman-dead/|title=First fatal police shooting in Iceland leaves gunman dead|date=3 December 2013|publisher=IceNews|location=Reykjavik, Iceland|access-date=30 October 2014}} This still remains as the first and currently only shooting death involving the Icelandic Police in Iceland's history.File:Lögreglan 2007 Volvo S80 D5 Automatic, Reykjavík.jpg

On the evening of 26 August 2021, a man armed with a shotgun and handgun started shooting at a car and house of the father of his girlfriend's children in Egilsstaðir, small town in east Iceland. Police officers in Egilsstaðir responded armed with pistols. Officers repeatedly told the gunman to lay down his weapons and give up when he was inside the house. After about an hour, the man came out of the house and started shooting at the police officers taking cover behind cars in the driveway. One officer returned fire, striking the gunman in the chest. The gunman was quickly helped and transported by air ambulance to Reykjavík to be treated. The gunman survived and was sentenced to 8 years in prison.{{cite web | url=https://www.visir.is/g/20222250570d/atta-ara-fangelsi-fyrir-skotaras-a-egilsstodum | title=Átta ára fangelsi fyrir skotárás á Egilsstöðum - Vísir }}{{cite web | url=https://www.visir.is/g/20222227379d/a-greiningur-um-fjolda-skota-og-stad-setningu-log-reglu-manns | title=Ágreiningur um fjölda skota og staðsetningu lögreglumanns - Vísir }}{{cite web | url=https://www.heradsdomstolar.is/domar/domur/?id=96a85cf0-a650-45fc-8e91-19d9f6eb621c | title=Dómur }} The incident marked the first time a normal police officer, not in the special armed police unit, fired a gun on duty.

{{main|2022 Iceland terror plot}}

On 21 September 2022, the police arrested four individuals who were suspected of alleged terrorist plot, the first of its kind in the country, to attack various institutions and citizens of the state.{{cite news |author1=Daniel Boffey |title=Icelandic police arrest four people over alleged terror attack plans |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/sep/22/icelandic-police-arrest-four-people-over-alleged-terror-attack-plans |access-date=23 September 2022 |work=The Guardian |date=22 September 2022}}{{cite news |author1=Andrés Magnússon |author2=Ari Páll Karlsson |author3=Karlotta Líf Sumarliðadóttir |title=Töldu árás yfirvofandi |url=https://www.mbl.is/frettir/innlent/2022/09/23/toldu_aras_yfirvofandi/ |access-date=23 September 2022 |work=Morgunblaðið |date=22 September 2022 |language=Icelandic}}{{cite news |author1=Fanndís Birna Logadóttir |title=Mögulegt að árásin hefði beinst gegn Alþingi eða lögreglu |url=https://www.visir.is/g/20222314992d/mogulegt-ad-arasin-hefdi-beinst-gegn-althingi-eda-logreglu |access-date=23 September 2022 |work=Vísir.is |date=22 September 2022 |language=Icelandic}}

The police academy was shut down as of 30 September 2016 and the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture has decided to hand the responsibility of training future police officers to University of Akureyri ({{Langx|is|Háskólinn á Akureyri}}). Until then the police academy was its own independent institution under the Ministry of Interior. The police academy had previously been a non-university educational institution.{{cite web |url=http://www.logreglan.is/logreglan/logregluskolinn/ |title = Lögregluskólinn eflir menntun á sviði rannsókna kynferðisbrota. {{!}} Lögreglan|date = 24 January 2014}}

This decision was quite controversial as it went against what a committee (established by Central Public Procurement {{Langx|is|Ríkiskaup}}) had recommended, with training provided by the University of Iceland ({{Langx|is|Háskóli Íslands}}).{{cite web |url=http://www.visir.is/flytur-namid-nordur-thvert-a-mat-nefndar/article/2016160829539 |title = Flytur námið norður þvert á mat nefndar - Vísir}}

After the changes took place, cadets are now required to complete a two-year Police Science university diploma consisting of 120 ECTS credits.{{Cite web|url=http://english.unak.is/humanities-and-social-sciences/faculty-of-social-sciences/police-science|title=Police Science|website=University of Akureyri|language=en|access-date=2019-03-16}} The practical training takes place at the Centre for Police Training and Professional Development ({{Langx|is|[https://menntaseturlogreglu.is/ Mennta- og starfsþróunarsetur lögreglunnar]}}), established June 1, 2016 to replace the police academy that was shut down the same year.{{Cite web|url=https://menntaseturlogreglu.is/english/|title=English – Mennta- og starfsþróunarsetur Lögreglunnar|language=is|access-date=2019-03-16|archive-date=15 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180315144556/http://menntaseturlogreglu.is/english/|url-status=dead}}

File:Lögreglan updated uniform.jpg

The police wear navy dark uniforms marked with traditional black and white checked markings and the police star. The working uniform varies from a traditional service uniform (shirt and trousers) to tactical overalls. The old traditional Icelandic service uniform is now used as a dress uniform. The trousers patrol officers use are made from a fire-resistant material.{{cite web|url=http://www.reglugerd.is/interpro/dkm/WebGuard.nsf/58b439f05a7f412f00256a07003476bc/d8253bd26d62dc4b0025798100449454?OpenDocument|title=Reglugerð um einkennisfatnað lögreglunnar. | Reglugerðir | Reglugerðasafn|publisher=reglugerd.is|access-date=5 September 2015}}

{{see also|Viking Squad#Armed police}}

File:I have a gun and I'm not afraid to use it (7098715625).jpg]]

Although police officers carry only extendable batons and MK-4 OC-spray (pepper spray) whilst on duty, some officers have started to carry tasers but they are trained in the use of firearms and are issued firearms in certain situations.{{cite web|title=Police and Justice System: A short introduction|publisher=The National Commissioner of the Police|date=September 2005|url=http://www.logregla.is/upload/files/Icelandic%20Police%20and%20Justice%20System.pdf|editor-last=Guðjónsson|editor-first=Guðmundur|access-date=30 October 2014|page=10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120227144215/http://www.logregla.is/upload/files/Icelandic%20Police%20and%20Justice%20System.pdf|archive-date=27 February 2012|url-status=dead}}

Most patrol vehicles are equipped with firearms in order to limit the response time needed in assignments that demand armed police. The firearms are stored in a special weapons locker. The special operations team, the Víkingasveitin, carry out their daily assignments armed.{{cite web|url=http://www.mbl.is/frettir/innlent/2015/02/09/hvenaer_ma_logreglan_nota_skotvopn/|title=Hvenær má lögreglan nota skotvopn? - mbl.is|publisher=mbl.is|access-date=5 September 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://www.innanrikisraduneyti.is/media/frettir-2015/Reglur-um-valdbeitingu-logreglumanna.pdf|date=9 February 2015|title=Reglur um valdbeitingu lögreglumanna og meðferð og notkun valdbeitingartækja og vopna|author=Dóms- og kirkjumálaráðuneyti|access-date=5 September 2015}}

File:Umferðarlögregla.jpg

• {{Flagicon|Germany}} Volkswagen Transporter
• {{Flagicon|Germany}} BMW R1250RT
• {{Flagicon|Germany}} Mercedes-Benz Vito
• {{Flagicon|Germany}} Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
• {{Flagicon|Germany}} Mercedes-Benz EQB
• {{Flagicon|Sweden}} Volvo V90
• {{Flagicon|Sweden}} Volvo XC90
• {{Flagicon|Germany}} MAN TGE
• {{Flagicon|USA}} Ford Police Interceptor
• {{Flagicon|USA}} Ford Transit
• {{Flagicon|USA}} Chevrolet Suburban
• {{Flagicon|USA}} Ford Ranger
• {{Flagicon|USA}} Ford Explorer
• {{Flagicon|USA}} Tesla Model Y
• {{Flagicon|USA}} Ram pickup
• {{Flagicon|Czech Republic}} Škoda Superb
• {{Flagicon|South Korea}} Kia Sorento
• {{Flagicon|South Korea}} Kia EV6
• {{Flagicon|South Korea}} Huyundai Santa Fe
• {{Flagicon|Japan}} Yamaha FJR1300
• {{Flagicon|United Kingdom}} Land Rover Discovery
• {{Flagicon|Japan}} Toyota RAV4
• {{Flagicon|Japan}} Toyota Land Cruiser

In Iceland, police vehicles are white with the Icelandic word for "police", Lögreglan, written in blue letters.

Starting in Spring 2018, Volvo V90 Cross Country vehicles entered service with police districts across the country.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mestmotor.se/automotorsport/artiklar/nyheter/20180717/island-logreglan-bestaller-fler-volvo-v90-cross-country-polisbilar-av-volvo-svs/|title=Island beställer ytterligare 11 Volvo V90 CC polisbilar|last=Brandt|first=auto motor & sport {{!}} Pär|website=auto motor & sport|language=sv|access-date=2019-03-16}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.fib.is/is/um-fib/frettir/islenska-logreglan-pantar-fleiri-volvo-v90-cross-country-logreglubila|title=Íslenska lögreglan pantar fleiri Volvo V90 Cross Country lögreglubíla|last=bifreiðaeigenda|first=Félag íslenskra|website=Félag íslenskra bifreiðaeigenda|language=is|access-date=2019-03-16}} The new vehicles were the first to use a new livery designed to improve visibility and were based on other European police vehicle liveries, retiring a livery that had been used by the Icelandic police since 2002.{{Cite web|url=https://www.logreglan.is/nyjar-merkingar-a-okutaeki-logreglunnar/|title=Nýjar merkingar á ökutækjum lögreglunnar {{!}} Lögreglan|website=www.logreglan.is|date=6 March 2018|access-date=2019-03-16}}

The previous vehicle livery consisted of blue and red stripes with the police star overlaying the stripes on the front doors. All markings are made of reflective material and the emergency lights are all blue.{{cite web|url=http://www.reglugerd.is/interpro/dkm/WebGuard.nsf/58b439f05a7f412f00256a07003476bc/6bfcb10eb2898d020025798100407617?OpenDocument|title=Reglugerð um einkenni og merki lögreglunnar. | Reglugerðir | Reglugerðasafn|publisher=reglugerd.is|access-date=5 September 2015}}

As of 2022 the regional districts own most of their cars while some of them are on long term rent from Bílaleiga Akureyrar. Previously the National Police Commissioner owned all of the police cars and the regional districts respectively rented them and paid both a per-kilometer fee and a fixed fee. The most common police cars are the Volvo V90 CC, Škoda Octavia and Superb, and the Land Rover Discovery.

The Víkingasveitin uses four unmarked Ford Police Interceptor Utility and unmarked Chevrolet Suburbans as well GMC Yukons that have been modified for tactical operations.{{cite web|url=http://www.mbl.is/frimg/7/62/762517.jpg|title=Image: 762517.jpg, (820 × 543 px)|publisher=mbl.is|access-date=5 September 2015}}{{better source needed|date=April 2023}}{{cite web|url=http://www.mbl.is/frimg/7/47/747357.jpg|title=Image: 747357.jpg, (820 × 543 px)|publisher=mbl.is|access-date=5 September 2015}}{{better source needed|date=April 2023}}

There are nine police districts in Iceland which follow the regions of Iceland with the addition of Vestmannaeyjar being its own district. The current police district division is stipulated by the Regulation on Police Districts of the Police Commissioner which was signed 4 December 2014 by Prime Minister Sigmundur Davíð Gunnlaugsson who acted as Minister of Justice temporarily within the Ministry of the Interior due to a scandal.{{cite web|url=http://www.innanrikisraduneyti.is/frettir/nr/29139|title=Reglugerð sett um lögregluumdæmi lögreglustjóra | Fréttir | Útgáfa | Innanríkisráðuneytið|publisher=innanrikisraduneyti.is|access-date=5 September 2015}} The headquarters are administrative centres for their respective district and regular police stations.{{cite web|url=http://www.logreglan.is/logreglan/umdaemin/|title=Umdæmin | Lögreglan|date=24 November 2014|publisher=logreglan.is|access-date=5 September 2015}}[https://www.innanrikisraduneyti.is/frettir/nr/29164 Umfangsmiklar breytingar á umdæmum sýslumanna og lögreglu í gildi um áramót]. Ministry of the Interior (in Icelandic)

File:Iceland road sign E01.21.svg

In 1939, at the orders of then Prime Minister Hermann Jónasson, the State Police and the {{Interlanguage link|Útlendingaeftirlitið|is|3=Útlendingaeftirlitið|vertical-align=sup}} (Foreigner monitoring agency) founded a security department, or {{Interlanguage link|eftirgrennslanadeild|is|3=eftirgrennslanadeild|vertical-align=sup}} in Icelandic.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mbl.is/greinasafn/grein/1104287/|title=Íslensk leyniþjónusta var starfrækt í áratugi|website=www.mbl.is|access-date=2019-03-16}} This service was founded primarily to monitor Nazi scientists in Iceland as well as communists. After World War II, this service had the embassies of communist countries under surveillance and compiled lists of communist sympathizers and potential saboteurs or terrorists.{{Cite journal |last=Olafsson |first=Jon |title=The Comintern Experience: How it influenced the Icelandic Left |url=https://www.nato.int/acad/fellow/95-97/olafsson.pdf |journal=NATO}}{{Cite journal |last=Järvstad |first=Pontus |date=October 2014 |title=The discourse of anti-Communism and its influence on the history of Communism in Iceland during the interwar period |url=https://skemman.is/bitstream/1946/20130/1/The%20discourse%20of%20anti-Communism%20and%20its%20influence%20on%20the%20history%20of%20Communism%20in%20Iceland%20during%20the%20interwar%20period.pdf |journal=University of Iceland, Faculties of Humanities, History}} It was not until 2006 that this service was officially acknowledged, after having been known to only a handful of men for more than 60 years, after historians were granted limited access to secret documents.{{Cite web |date=25 July 2013 |title=From Iceland — Cold War Espionage In Iceland |url=https://grapevine.is/mag/articles/2013/07/25/cold-war-espionage-in-iceland/ |access-date=2024-11-13 |website=The Reykjavik Grapevine |language=en-US}}{{Cite journal |last=Moosios |first=Jeffrey Allen |date=May 2015 |title=House of Ice and Cod: The U.S.-Icelandic Alliance throughout the Cold War |url=https://scholarworks.calstate.edu/downloads/jm214q803 |journal=College of Social Sciences, California State University}}

The National Commissioner's National Security Unit ({{Langx|is|Greiningardeild Ríkislögreglustjóra}}), established in 2007, is currently responsible for internal intelligence activities which include evaluating threat to the constitution of the state such as terrorism or organized crime.{{Cite web|url=https://www.logreglan.is/logreglan/rikislogreglustjori/skipurit-2/|title=Greiningardeild {{!}} Lögreglan|website=www.logreglan.is|date=25 November 2014|access-date=2019-03-16}}

• Defence of Iceland
• Directorate of Customs
• Icelandic Prison Service

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Category:National law enforcement agencies of Iceland

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