For example, in Vaasa, the first police-organized course is fully booked and the next will not be until the autumn. In future, certification courses will be arranged as needed, but no less than twice a year.
Under laws that came into force earlier this month, firearm permits for weapons intended for sport or hobby target shooting can be issued only to applicants who are documented as having spent no less than two years actively training in their use. Such documents can be provided only by police-trained and certified instructors.
Over the summer months, police are expected to school close to 500 firearms instructors.