Solving Missions at Sea

"I grew up with boats on the sea. Seeing the police boat in action during my childhood was very exciting. I find it very motivating and inspiring to be able to work as a police officer using a boat as a tool, especially in Oslo, which has maritime missions throughout the year," says Aleksander.

In the summer of 2022, Aleksander started working on the police boat in Oslo. The maritime service in the Oslo Police District consists of police officers who use boats as tools to complete their missions.

"Our job is to prevent unwanted incidents in the district, save lives, and secure significant material assets."

Delivering safety

A workday at sea can involve many different tasks and missions that need to be solved. These can include boat inspections to uncover crime, preventing boating under the influence, conducting speed checks, and responding to the lack of use of flotation devices.

In addition, they often collaborate with other agencies, the main rescue center, or local rescue centers.

What does one need to do to work on a police boat?

"First of all, you need to be a trained police officer. It also requires extensive experience in the police profession. To work on a police boat, you must have a Deck Officer Certificate Class Six. You also need to undergo significant training to be checked out as a boat operator. This takes two years of active service in the Maritime Service of the Oslo Police District," explains Aleksander.

"In addition, as a boat operator, you need to be a good team player, have a high degree of personal integrity, good attitudes, and discipline," he continues.

"This is because we often work in complicated maritime conditions as a team, and we need to have our heads in the right place to function as police officers at the same time."

Following in His Father's Footsteps

Aleksander has known since he was little that he wanted to become a police officer.

"My father was a police officer, and I wanted to follow in his footsteps."

In 2014, he graduated from Politihøgskolen. Aleksander recalls that his time studying in Kongsvinger was very good. The study environment was relatively small, but the facilities were excellent, he says.

Today, Campus Kongsvinger offers a range of continuing and further education programs, and bachelor's students have police operational courses here.

"The best part of the study was the first year, where we had close follow-up from instructors. The internship year at Grønland Police Station was also fantastic. The colleagues and the number of assignments we received in Oslo were very educational and have largely shaped me into the service person I am today."

During his career, Aleksander has also worked at both tactical and operational levels.

"I am privileged to work in the Maritime Service today and am proud to be able to work in the field year-round, in addition to participating in the joint function in the car patrol part of the year."

What is the best part of the profession?

"The best part of the profession is that it is very varied. The department consists of many nice colleagues, and I am fortunate to be able to help shape a department together with skilled professionals and set the direction for the next decades," says Aleksander.

Aleksander believes the profession is important for safeguarding the interests of society and different people.

"Being able to go to work in a free country with a democratic government makes me proud and humble."

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

"Be humble when approaching the field and show strong motivation and interest. Otherwise, just go for it."