According to NRK Stor-Oslo, Kristiansen said the crisis stems from a shortage of officers, as many are leaving because of salary and workload. She noted that Oslo police have received many more tasks in recent years, including guarding embassies, handling demonstrations, large events, and combating organized crime. As a result, less time is spent on preventive work and follow-up of at-risk youth, response times are longer, and national emergency resources have less time for training because they must patrol Oslo. Everyday crime is deprioritized in favor of life-and-death assignments, Kristiansen added.
Police Chief Ida Melbo Øystese warned in April that there is a limit to how long they can endure without major consequences. Grete Lien Metlid, head of the Joint Unit for Operational Services, stated in March that tasks related to Oslo's role as a capital have more than quadrupled in a few years. Martin Strand, police chief in the city center, acknowledged that resource scarcity means tougher prioritization. The Oslo Police Association expects increased funding for the police in the revised national budget.