The Police expanded the use of Suomi.fi Messages: “At best, using Messages can speed up criminal investigation”

The Police have been using Suomi.fi Messages since their development phase. First, Messages was activated in automatic traffic surveillance communications. In 2024, the use of the service was extended to criminal investigation. There, Messages are used especially in communication during the pre-trial investigation phase. The Police want to further increase the use of the service, as it saves costs, improves efficiency and can significantly speed up criminal investigation.

The Police were one of the first users of Suomi.fi Messages. The organisation has also been involved in developing the Messages service. As part of the development process, the Police have sought to ensure that the Messages meet the Police’s needs.

“We were the first organisation to connect Suomi.fi Messages to the security network. This also makes it easy to activate the service for other security authorities,” says Senior Officer Petri Pipatti, who is responsible for online services at the National Police Board.

Currently, the Police use Suomi.fi Messages in automated traffic surveillance. For example, notifications related to automatic traffic camera surveillance are primarily sent to recipients via Suomi.fi Messages. In addition, the Police have expanded the use of the service to criminal investigation. Copies of police reports are sent to the person to be questioned via Messages, and they can submit their statements electronically through the service.

“The key benefits of Suomi.fi Messages are their speed and safety. During the pre-trial investigation, the hearing can be conducted electronically via Messages. In the best-case scenario, this can significantly speed up the investigation. If the person to be questioned identifies themselves in the service, at best they can give their statement in minutes, when arranging a physical interview can take several weeks,” Pipatti describes.

“This allows time and resources to be directed to more important tasks, as interviews taking place in person always require the presence of at least two police officers. From the security perspective, Suomi.fi Messages can be used to ensure that the correct person always receives the message and any investigation material, and there is no risk of the message disappearing or the letter ending up in the wrong hands,” Pipatti continues.

From the Police’s point of view, it is also important that the sender is informed of the sent message having been read. This way, the police can be sure that the information has reached the recipient.

"Submitting different decisions electronically is considerably faster and more cost-effective than sending paper letters – especially when delivery receipts can also be automated in messages requiring confirmation of receipt​​​​​​​."

The Police want to expand the use further

The National Police Board guides its organisation to further expand the use of Suomi.fi Messages. The aim is to make the service the primary communication channel for all police activities so that, in the future, all different decisions could be delivered primarily through Suomi.fi Messages.

“In other words, Suomi.fi Messages is already in use in our organisation, but further guidance is provided to increase the use of Suomi.fi Messages. Submitting different decisions electronically is considerably faster and more cost-effective than sending paper letters – especially when delivery receipts can also be automated in messages requiring confirmation of receipt,” Pipatti says.

In the past, the Police have used a wide range of communication tools, ranging from letters to calls and secure e-mails. The aim is now to harmonise the activities.

“Suomi.fi Messages are suitable for many police communications needs. Their use often improves the efficiency of police operations and enables more efficient use of resources,” Pipatti says.