History of the Norwegian Police Service

Originally the 60 to 80 sheriffs (lensmann) were predominantly used for writ of execution and to a less degree police power.

With the introduction of the absolute monarchy in 1660 and subsequent strengthening of the civil service, the importance of the police increased.

Additional chiefs of police were hired in Bergen in 1692, Christiania (Oslo) in 1744 and Christianssand in 1776.

Christiana established the country's first uniformed corps of constables from 1859, which gave the force a more unified appearance.

This resulted in 26 new chief of police positions, largely corresponding to the old fogderi areas (bailiwicks).

At the same time the existing police districts were expanded to include the surrounding rural areas.

[4] The search and rescue system with two joint coordination centers and sub-centers for each police district was created in 1970.

[4] Økokrim was established in 1988[7] and in 1994 the administrative responsibilities for the sheriff's offices was transferred to police districts.

[1] The police school became a university college in 1993 and introduced a three-year education; in 1998 a second campus opened in Bodø.