Coordinating the Police's Efforts Against Environmental Crime

Environmental crime includes offenses related to pollution, art and cultural heritage, nature, aquaculture, animal welfare, and the working environment.

This type of crime often affects our common goods, presenting different challenges for the police. While much crime can impact individuals, environmental crime can have local impacts and also affect the entire country or other countries.

"The profession is meaningful, and you can really make a difference. Monitoring activities in society is crucial to ensure that laws and regulations are followed. In a world marked by conflicts, it is unlikely that crime will disappear. Therefore, it is important to constantly develop to meet new challenges," says Edmund.

Wanted a Practical Job

Before he decided to study to become a police officer, he studied economics at the business school in Trondheim but did not find it satisfying.

"I applied to Politihøgskolen because I wanted a practical job that involved more than just office work. The opportunity to face new challenges and meet new people every day seemed very rewarding," says Edmund.

He studied in Bodø and remembers his time there very positively, with students collaborating to support each other, something he had not experienced in the same way before.

"The best part of the study is the combination of practical and theoretical work. Applying theory in practice through exercises and the internship year gives a great sense of accomplishment."

Investigates and Solves Environmental Crimes Where They Occur

Edmund has worked as an environmental crime coordinator since 2023. The position allows him to collaborate with skilled people both internally and externally, he says. He works with various agencies such as the Norwegian Nature Inspectorate, the Norwegian Food Safety Authority, municipal departments, and several organizations in the environmental field.

He also gets to combine the role with maritime service, which gives him access to protected areas and the opportunity to follow up on fisheries

Being able to look at issues from a preventive perspective is something he finds very exciting. The police must collaborate well with environmental management to investigate environmental cases effectively.

Økokrim is the unit in the police responsible for environmental cases, but it is the local police who are supposed to investigate and solve most environmental crimes where they occur.

What is the best part of the profession?

"The best part of being a police officer is the feeling of having made a difference. It is rewarding to help save lives and make painful events a little less painful for those involved. But also the joy people get when we solve less serious crimes.

Politihøgskolen offers several further education courses in environmental crime.

Edmund explains that the positions vary between police districts, but further education in the environmental field will make a candidate attractive.

Do you have any tips for those who want to work in the same field?

"Perform as well as you can in school. It can also be an advantage to stand out by acquiring unique skills that not everyone has.