Safety and public health

Crime prevention

Systematic approach

We work to increase safety and counter social exclusion. The work is based on established knowledge and validated methods.

Legal requirement

Under the law on municipal responsibility for crime preventive work, the municipality must maintain an up-to-date situation assessment and an action plan. They are updated at least every two years and guide concrete actions.

Safety Plan 2024–2028

The Safety Plan is the guiding document. It sets the direction for four years and is complemented by a situation assessment and an action plan for two years at a time. Each committee makes an annual plan with resources and activities.

The goal is that more residents of all ages feel free to move about safely at all places and times in the municipality. Visitors should also experience Boden as a safe and attractive place.

Cooperation and coordination

Cooperation with the Police

The municipality and the Police have an agreement to increase safety and reduce the risk of crime. Focus areas for 2022–2024 are:

• Actions against drugs, risk environments and particularly vulnerable areas
• Traffic and disturbance control actions
• Early support for young people at risk
• Building confidence in public authorities, with more tolerance and trust
  The work is followed up by the Safety and Public Health Council and reported to the Municipal Executive Committee.

Local operational cooperation

In 2024 the municipality started a pilot with support from the Swedish National Council for Crime Prevention. From 2025 it is part of regular operations. The municipality, the Police and other public authorities coordinate supervision and joint actions to prevent crime. Each authority acts within its mandate, while knowledge and powers are used together.

Safety and Public Health Council

The council coordinates work on public health, social sustainability and crime prevention. It reports to the Municipal Executive Committee and sets common focus areas in line with the municipal strategic plan.

Council focus 2023–2026

• Boden is a place for everyone, with stronger community and cohesion
• Safe and inclusive living environments that strengthen social belonging
• Cooperation for lifelong learning linked to a positive working life
• Active citizenship with high quality of life, togetherness and personal development

Council composition

The council is a joint body with elected politicians and senior officials from the municipality. The Police, Region Norrbotten, the business community and the municipal housing company also take part. Other external actors can be invited when needed.

Items are prepared by a group consisting of the chair, the vice chair, the chief executive, the coordinator for public health and social sustainability, and the coordinator for safety and crime prevention.

Meeting dates in 2025

• 28 February, 08:00, City Hall
• 16 May, 08:00, City Hall
• 19 September, 08:00, City Hall
• 28 November, 08:00, City Hall

Council of Faith Communities

This council builds cooperation, dialogue and contact between different religions and social actors. The goal is a safer Boden, more meetings across religious lines and greater mutual understanding.

Through the network, contacts are built, information is shared and signals of concern are picked up. The work is supported by the Swedish Agency for Support to Faith Communities.