Norway has decided to permanently arm its police officers, marking a historic departure from the country’s long-standing tradition of maintaining an unarmed police force. The decision follows a parliamentary vote on Thursday, where a broad majority in the Stortinget (Norwegian parliament) supported the measure.
Broad political support ends decades of opposition
For years, the idea of general police armament had been met with resistance across the political spectrum. However, in recent months, several major parties — including the Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet), Centre Party (Senterpartiet), Conservative Party (Høyre), and Christian Democratic Party (Kristelig Folkeparti) — shifted their positions. The Progress Party (Fremskrittspartiet) has long supported permanent arming. Meanwhile, parties such as Socialist Left (SV), Red Party (Rødt), Green Party (MDG), and Liberal Party (Venstre) remain opposed.
The Labour-led government proposed a legislative amendment in May to change the Police Act, introducing general armament for daily police duties. This includes an interim provision granting the Police Directorate (Politidirektoratet) the authority to determine whether officers should carry firearms and define the scope of their use.
At a press conference, Justice Minister Astri Aas-Hansen explained the government’s rationale: “We propose rules that allow police officers to carry weapons in their daily work because public safety and police security must be ensured.” The Police Directorate and local forces have long called for this change, citing growing threats such as terrorism, violent crime, and encounters with dangerous individuals with mental illness.
Norway police: temporary rules in effect until permanent legislation
The Justice Ministry (Justis- og beredskapsdepartementet) will now draft permanent legislation defining the framework for daily armament. This process is expected to conclude by 2026. Until then, police may carry firearms under the new temporary rules approved by parliament.
According to the government, the interim measure ensures immediate alignment with parliamentary consensus while allowing for a broader consultation process. Stakeholders such as police organisations, civil society, and the general public will be invited to contribute feedback.
Supporters argue that the move enhances preparedness and reduces response times in critical incidents. Critics warn of the potential erosion of public trust, especially among vulnerable communities. Research cited by opponents suggests that general armament may undermine police legitimacy and increase the risk of escalation.
A shift with regional and operational significance
Norway’s decision aligns it more closely with other Nordic countries, such as Denmark, where police have been permanently armed since 1965. It also departs from Norway’s model of storing weapons in patrol vehicles, where officers had to retrieve them only during active threats.
The policy change has been welcomed by police leadership. Police Director Håkon Skulstad called it “an important step to strengthen preparedness against serious and unforeseen incidents.” Oslo Police Chief Ida Melbo Øystese added that most police tasks are still resolved without the use of weapons: “Our officers are trained to use only necessary force. Dialogue remains our most important tool.”
Nonetheless, opposition voices remain vocal. SV’s Torgeir Knag Fylkesnes called the government’s stance “deeply disappointing” and criticised the lack of a principled position. Venstre’s Ingvild Wetrhus Thorsvik expressed concern over everyday carry in low-risk situations: “We’re talking about having weapons on the hip even when they’re not needed.”
The final legislation is expected to include specific regulations on oversight, training, and proportionality. The government has pledged to maintain the civilian character of policing in Norway while adapting to current security realities.
