On Thursday, the government announced that it wants to introduce visitation zones and police curfews almost a year earlier than planned. In December 2022, the government and the Sweden Democrats commissioned an investigator to investigate the issue of visitation zones. This is for the purpose of preventing shootings and explosions.
The police must, following a decision from the prosecutor, be able to establish visitation zones for a limited time. In the zones, the police must be able to search anyone without suspicion of crime. It must concern a specific limited area, where serious violent crimes have occurred or are suspected of being about to occur.
Police Commissioner Göran Månsson has worked in the police for 23 years and would have liked to see visitation zones introduced ten years ago.
– I brought this up even then, but then I got the message that I was too offensive, he says to TV4 Nyheterna.
Danish model
The Danish police have been working with visitation zones since 2004 and they are used there regularly. The Tidö parties therefore want to investigate the possibility of visitation zones based on the Danish model, which has been effective in Denmark, according to Deputy Prime Minister Ebba Busch.
– Gang criminals move significantly less in the areas that have visitation zones, which means that it will be calmer and safer for all law-abiding people, she said during Thursday’s press conference.
But the proposal for visitation zones still faces criticism. The Social Democrats’ party leader Magdalena Andersson is one of those who believe that it can damage the trust of the police and that crime is moving.
Göran Månsson believes that the zones can function as a psychological tool.
– We are missing a tool in the toolbox. I think one of the most important points is psychology. If you cross a line, there can be consequences, even young offenders understand that. It is clear, if I enter here with explosives or weapons, I can be searched, arrested and detained, he says.
SMS to those staying in the zone
Månsson also wants the public to be reminded that they are entering and staying in a visitation zone.
– You can start a proper information campaign. The municipalities may set up information boards with clear information, for example our Danish colleagues refer to a website. You can also send text messages to those in the zone.
What risks do you see with visitation zones?
– Regarding the public, you have to get their understanding, otherwise of course there could be irritation among residents in the area.
The investigation that the government and the Sweden Democrats have requested must be reported no later than January 22, 2024. It must, among other things, contain proposals for a regulation that will be examined by prosecutors and courts.
On Thursday, Ulf Kristerson invited all the Riksdag’s party leaders to a meeting with the National Security Council and several heads of authorities. After the meeting, the prime minister emphasized the importance of getting the laws in place as soon as possible.
But according to Göran Månsson, it has already taken too long.
– It must not take this long. I think it should be a police chief in the area who makes the decision, not prosecutors or courts, says Månsson and continues:
– The national police chief is welcome for a cup of coffee, I’m worried about the future and want to make ends meet.