The use of coercive measures in preventing terrorist acts, espionage and threats against the leaders of the country. Section 17 d of the Police Act gives PST the power to use coercive measures to prevent the most serious acts within our remit if there is reason to ascertain whether someone is preparing to commit such an act.
The Norwegian Parliament has stipulated that this is a reserve measure in cases that do not lend themselves to a full criminal investigation because no specific act has been shown to be in the planning stage.
Statutory authority
The fundamental duty of the police to prevent crime is laid down in section 2, sub-section 2 of the Police Act and Chapter 3–1, clause 3 of the Police Code of Practice. Section 17 d of the Police Act provides the framework for the use of coercive measures in prevention efforts.
Chapter 5 of the PST Code of Practice provides a more detailed framework for PST’s preventive work:
“The Norwegian Police Security Service shall carry out its preventive functions in accordance with sections 17 b and 17 c of the Police Act by, inter alia, collecting, processing, analysing and exchanging information in accordance with set priorities.
The Director General of PST shall issue guidelines for the use of non-statutory methods for the purpose of preventive work.
The Service shall also in collaboration with the rest of the police prevent threats against key public figures as provided in section 17 d, sub-section 1, letter c of the Police Act.
A request for permission to use methods listed in section 17d of the Police Act may only be made by the Director General or Deputy Director General of The Norwegian Police Security Service.”