Police in Norway are there to protect you. Call 112 in emergencies and 02800 when it's not urgent. Police are independent, free from corruption and have high trust. You have rights, and you can safely ask for help.
What does the police in Norway do?
Police in Norway are meant to prevent crime, protect people and investigate law violations. Police are the state's civilian public order authority. The goal is that you should be safe where you live and move around.
Each police district has an operations center open 24/7. It receives emergency calls and sends patrols where needed. Police also prevent crime by being visible, talking to young people and working with schools and communities.
Police do more than stop crime. They also help with many civilian tasks in everyday life.
At the police, you can, among other things:
- apply for passport and national ID card
- deliver and collect lost and found (things you have lost or found)
- report a concern for someone
- get help with some immigration and residence matters
- get help when you want to report a crime to the police
The Police Directorate oversees the police nationally. The Police Directorate is the top leadership of the police, under the Ministry of Justice and Public Security.
Which number do you call? 112 or 02800
Call 112 when it's urgent and 02800 when it's not acute. These are the two most important numbers for the police in Norway.
Use 112 for emergency danger to life and health, or when a crime is happening right now. Use 02800 for questions, tips and matters that are not urgent. The central desk 02800 is open 24/7.
For health there are separate numbers. Call 113 for acute illness and 116117 for urgent care when it's not acute.
| Situation | Call |
|---|---|
| Emergency danger, crime in progress | 112 |
| Police, not urgent (tips, questions, theft that has happened) | 02800 |
| Acute illness, ambulance | 113 |
| Urgent care, not acute health | 116117 |
If you are deaf or have speech difficulties, you can send Emergency SMS to 112. You can find more in our guide to emergency help and emergency numbers.
Do Norwegian police carry weapons?
Norwegian police did not carry firearms on their body for a long time. From 1 July 2025, police carry weapons in regular duty. This is called general arming.
But in many situations there is still unarmed police. For example when meeting with children, on school visits and in preventive work.
Using weapons and force is strictly regulated by law. Police should use as little force as possible, and only when necessary. They must be able to explain and be accountable for the force they use. The Government has proposed to write the general arming into the Police Act.
You don't need to be afraid of Norwegian police. They are there to help you, not to scare you.
How do you report and contact the police?
You can report a crime online or by visiting a police station. It is free to report.
On politiet.no you can report many cases digitally, 24/7. You can also call 02800 or visit a police station.
When you have reported, you get a case number. The police assess the case and investigate if there is grounds. You can ask what happens with your case. For serious crimes you may be entitled to a free legal counsel.
Have you been scammed? See how to report fraud. Reporting helps the police stop criminals.
Your rights when dealing with the police
You have clear rights when you are in contact with the police. They apply to everyone in Norway.
- You have the right to know why the police stop or arrest you.
- You have the right to interpreter if you don't speak Norwegian.
- You have the right to lawyer if you are charged or arrested.
- You have the right to be treated with respect.
Being stopped or asked for identification doesn't mean you are suspected. Police can ask who you are. Respond calmly and feel free to ask why they are stopping you.
Police in Norway are independent and free from corruption. You should never pay a police officer for help. Offering money is illegal.
This is part of the rule of law. Learn more about the courts and rule of law.
Who watches the police?
The Special Unit for Police Cases investigates the police. The Special Unit for Police Cases is an independent body outside the police.
If you believe a police officer has done something illegal, you can report it to the Special Unit. They also automatically investigate if someone dies or is seriously injured in contact with the police.
This means that no one is above the law—not even the police themselves.
Why you can trust the police
Many newcomers to Norway have bad experiences with police from their home country. In Norway, the picture is different.
Trust is high. In the Police's public survey 2025, 73 percent said they have very or quite high trust in the police. It is the highest level since 2022. More than before feel that the police come when it's urgent, are available and treat everyone fairly.
You can contact the police even if you are unsure about your residence status. If you are in danger or a victim of a crime, you should get help. If you are dissatisfied with how the police treated you, you can complain. Police cannot be bought and you lose nothing by asking for help.
Police in Norway serve the people, not a single leader or a party. SamfunnPrep explains how Norwegian society works, step by step. Knowledge about police, rights and the rule of law is part of the Samfunnskunnskapsprøven, and with SamfunnPrep you practice exactly this.
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