Ahead of the revised national budget being introduced in the next few weeks, the government announced a headline proposal on Monday

Some 2.8 billion kroner extra would be spent fighting crime next year. Of this figure, 2.5 billion would go directly to the police.

“We planned a historic investment in the police in the revised budget. What we are announcing today is that we are taking that level further,” PM Jonas Gahr Støre told a press conference on Monday.

The PM hoped the money would be used to boost the number of officers out on patrol.

“Now we expect the police to use these funds for precisely what we are going to see, namely a strengthening of basic staffing. That means more police officers on the streets,” Støre said.

Støre would also propose the introduction of a fast-track system for young offenders.

“We have made changes that mean that young people who commit crime get a faster reaction and follow-up. Now we are taking another step and ensuring that a fast track is established at the court in Oslo for young offenders, with the aim of coming into force this year,” Støre said.

“It requires rapid processing in the Storting (Norway’s parliament). The proposal is there. The Storting meets in October. So now it’s just a matter of getting it done the right way,” he added.

Police would also receive more resources to seize criminal proceeds and technology to uncover and catch criminals.

More money would also be spent on ankle tags for those awaiting trial.