The Finnish Border Guard was established in 1919. Its structure and the definition of its tasks were shaped by Finland’s geopolitical position. The organisation took its current form after the wars, when the Coast Guard was incorporated into it. Its main task is border surveillance on land and at sea, including the monitoring of territorial integrity in the border zone and in Finland’s maritime areas, as well as border checks on passenger traffic at land border crossing points, in ports, and at airports.
The core elements of border surveillance are patrols on land, at sea and in the air, visual observation, and the use of a wide range of surveillance systems. At sea, basic surveillance is primarily carried out using radar and camera systems. The situational picture is complemented by patrols with aircraft, patrol vessels and boats. In addition, surveillance cooperation is carried out with the Swedish Coast Guard and the Estonian Border Guard in maritime areas.
The Border Guard leads maritime search and rescue services and conducts search operations and medical evacuations within its area of responsibility. It also assists the police in maintaining public order and safety in border and maritime areas in urgent situations and in tasks requiring specialised equipment. The defence of the nation has always been an important duty of the Border Guard and is carried out in cooperation with the Defence Forces.
The Border Guard is headed by a Commander, supported by a Headquarters that also functions as the Border Guard Department of the Ministry of the Interior.
The organisation consists of four Border Guard districts, two Coast Guard districts, an Air Patrol Squadron, and the Border and Coast Guard Academy responsible for personnel training.
The Border Guard employs approximately 3,100 people. A small number of conscripts are trained in Border Jaeger companies. Most officer training is provided by the Defence Forces’ educational institutions. Border and coast guards receive their basic training at the Border and Coast Guard Academy, which also provides further and continuing training for all personnel.
More information: www.raja.fi