The Swedish Police Authority has begun training officers for online patrolling on platforms popular with youth, including gaming services Twitch and Discord. According to SVT Nyheter, approximately 30 police officers have been trained for what is called 'nätpatrullering' or online patrolling.
Project leader Ellen Halldin from Police South stated that many people think this initiative is overdue, and the police agree. The newly trained online police officers are appearing at gaming conventions like Level Up Lund to challenge youth in various games and inform them about the new initiative aimed at preventing crimes such as grooming and gang recruitment.
Now we have trained about 30 police officers who will be able to use so-called online patrolling in their daily work
'Now we have trained about 30 police officers who will be able to use so-called online patrolling in their daily work,' said Halldin. The police will use their official accounts on these platforms, and concerned individuals can verify legitimate police accounts through the police website.
Online patrolling involves police actively working on social media, gaming platforms, and other digital environments where children and youth are present. Officers can answer questions, participate in chats, detect crimes, and provide support. The online patrols work openly and follow the same laws and rules as regular police work. Currently, they are active on Instagram and Facebook, with plans to expand to more platforms.