Poliisirikosyksikkö
PRY
Summary
The Police Crimes Unit (Poliisirikosyksikkö, PRY) was established on 1 October 2024 within the Office of the Prosecutor General (Syyttäjälaitos) under Act 32/2019 and associated 2024 amendments to the Pre-trial Investigation Act (esitutkintalaki 924/2024). It centralises all pre-trial investigations of suspected offences by police officers that were formerly dispersed across local prosecutors. Investigators are employed by the Prosecution Authority, not the Police, making this Finland's closest equivalent to an independent police investigations directorate. It has full investigative powers including compelled testimony and evidence access, and its findings directly feed binding prosecution decisions. In 2024 the unit received 1,051 cases.
Independence Scorecard
| Appointment | Executive appointment |
|---|---|
| Term length | Not specified |
| Removal standard | For cause only |
| Budget independence | Legislative line item |
| Subpoena power | Yes |
| Compel testimony | Yes |
| Records access | Full access |
| Public reports required | Yes |
| Pre-publication review | None — reports published directly |
Statute
- Name
- Laki Syyttäjälaitoksesta (muutettu 924/2024 ja 923/2024)
- Citation
- 32/2019 as amended; esitutkintalaki amendment 924/2024
- Full text
- Full text of law →
Jurisdiction scope
Pre-trial investigation and prosecution of criminal offences alleged to have been committed by police officers; established 1 October 2024 within the Office of the Prosecutor General