The government is proposing strengthened protection for public employees in a bill submitted to the Riksdag.
The proposal involves explicit support in the Administrative Procedure Act for not disclosing the name of the decision-maker in a notification of a decision, if it can be feared that the person will be exposed to threats and harassment.
However, the person affected by the decision will still be able to contact the authority and find out who made the decision.
Received criticism
The government has proceeded with the proposal despite the fact that the Law Council does not support it. According to the Law Council, it would have a very limited effect on the vulnerability of public employees, while the service for those affected by the decision would deteriorate.
Several authorities also believe that the proposal is insufficient. The Migration Agency has pointed out that it is more common today for threats and harassment to come from criminal individuals before a decision is made, rather than someone's anger towards a decision-maker being triggered by the notification of the decision itself.
"We are proceeding with the proposal because we believe it can lead to reduced vulnerability for public employees. It's about limiting inappropriate actions and contact attempts that occur in the heat of the moment," says Minister of Justice Gunnar Strömmer (M) in a written comment.
Preventing mapping
The proposal also suggests that authorities where personnel are particularly vulnerable should be able to strengthen secrecy regarding information in, for example, salary systems that concern employees' personal circumstances.
The government is also proposing strengthened secrecy regarding police students' personal identity numbers, dates of birth, addresses, and private phone numbers at police academies. The aim is to prevent criminals from mapping police students.
Furthermore, the proposal suggests increased penalties for violence and threats against officials and a new offense – insulting an official.
"It's about clarifying what an official should not have to tolerate in their work. The new offense will also be a tool for preventing escalation of situations that could otherwise lead to worse consequences," says Strömmer.
Decision-makers' names may be omitted in notifications of decisions
Strengthened secrecy regarding personal data of personnel at certain authorities
Strengthened secrecy regarding personal data of students at police academies
The offense of violence and threats against officials is expanded to also include threats of other criminal acts than violence
The maximum penalty for violence and threats against officials is increased from two to three years
For gross offenses, the penalty scale is increased to at least 1.5 years and up to eight years.
A new offense – insulting an official – is introduced
The penalty scale for the new offense is at least fines and up to six months' imprisonment
Source: The Government
