Police, Unions, and Organizations Call for Action to Address Unsustainable Situation
Published: October 13, 2023 | 06:00
A group of police officers, unions, and various organizations have come together to highlight the urgent need for politicians to take responsibility and address the escalating violence that is plaguing the country. In a debate article, they emphasize the need for collaboration across party lines to tackle the crime and implement concrete measures.
The recent increase in violence has resulted in a rising number of casualties, prompting party leaders to convene and assess the situation. The signatories of the article call for a national gathering of forces against violence, emphasizing the importance of collective action to combat the growing threat.
“We are in the midst of a terrible spiral of violence, where criminal networks are recruiting children to carry out murders and where mothers are being shot dead in acts of revenge. This is the new reality that is affecting everyone’s safety, including our children who live and grow up in Sweden,” state the authors.
The unsustainability of the situation is acknowledged by all parties involved. However, the authors stress that it is crucial for politicians to move beyond mere words and take concrete action to fulfill their responsibility. They call for a cross-block collaboration, involving all parliamentary parties, to coordinate criminal and social policies to effectively tackle the issue.
A comprehensive approach is deemed necessary. The gathering of forces must focus on both repressive measures and crime prevention, including social crime prevention efforts and early intervention strategies. The authors argue that increasing the number of police officers and imposing harsher punishments alone will not be enough. They emphasize the need to address the root causes of crime and work towards minimizing the risks of criminal activities, alienation, and mental illness.
To succeed in this endeavor, the authors point out the importance of integrating public, private, and civil entities. They argue that systematic collaboration, encompassing the unique skills and relationships of different sectors, is essential to create a structure that can effectively combat violence at all levels.
Additionally, the authors highlight the significance of relying on research and proven experience. They advocate for evaluations within the entire criminal policy area to ensure that actions have the intended effect and do not inadvertently create new problems in the future.
The ongoing wave of violence has sparked a strong desire among citizens to contribute and be part of the change. From pensioners advocating for increased adult presence in schools to merchants implementing cash limits for luxury purchases, there is a growing popular movement against crime and for inclusion. The authors urge politicians to act as a constructive and unifying force to mobilize the entire society against violence.
The call for action is signed by notable individuals such as Katharina von Sydow, chairman of the Police Association, Gunnar Appelgren, Criminal Commissioner Police Region Stockholm, and Heike Erkers, chairman of the Association of Academicians SSR, among others.
This article serves as a reminder that the current situation is dire and demands immediate action. It calls on politicians to not only address the symptoms but also work towards addressing the root causes of violence, while fostering collaboration and involving all sectors of society.
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