Swedish Government Boosts Police Powers to Tackle Gang Violence

The Swedish government has granted the police expanded powers, including the ability to seize cash, jewellery and vehicles on the spot, access to additional registers, and stricter penalties. These tools have contributed to a rise in the clearance rate for gang‑related murders from around 20‑30 % to over 60 %, according to Svenska Dagbladet. The Criminal Prison Service has also added 6,700 places since the current administration took office.

In July 2026 the Justice Ministry appointed special investigator Ylva Norling Jönsson to develop further proposals aimed at improving safety on streets and squares. The mandate includes strengthening police growth, considering a new class of security guards with broader authority than ordinary order‑guards, and outlining how such resources should be organised, staffed and trained. The report is due by 1 March 2028. Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer said, “We have shown that we can push back gang violence,” while Integration Minister Simona Mohamsson emphasized that Swedish streets belong to all citizens and must not be left to those who threaten public order.