Petra Lundh: Sweden’s First Female Police Chief
In a remarkable turn of events, Petra Lundh has made history yet again. After serving as the Attorney General in August and then becoming president of the Svea Court of Appeal in September, Lundh has now taken on the role of Sweden’s first female National Police Chief.
Lundh’s journey to this prestigious position has been nothing short of extraordinary. She didn’t hesitate for months before accepting the role, knowing that leading the country’s largest authority with 38,000 employees is indeed one of the most difficult assignments in Swedish state administration.
Former colleagues describe Lundh as a sharp, listening, and inclusive manager, with an “enormous work capacity.” Despite her demanding job, she prioritizes spending time with her family and never works on weekends. It’s important for her to send a signal to her employees that she values work-life balance.
In her new role, Lundh faces historic challenges with organized crime and the declining trust in the police. She believes in implementing penalties and changes in the law, such as anonymous witnesses and visitation zones, as a necessary evil to protect honest citizens in vulnerable areas.
Lundh’s rise to becoming the first female National Police Chief is significant in empowering other women to take on big tasks and advance in their careers. Her dedication to making Sweden a safer and more secure country is unwavering and has set the stage for a new chapter in Swedish law enforcement.
While Lundh’s tenure as president of the Svea Court of Appeal was short-lived, her legacy will be immortalized alongside the 49 other presidents in the form of a portrait. It’s a poignant reminder of the impact she has made in the Swedish judiciary, a legacy that will continue as she steps into her new role as the National Police Chief.