Authors

• Kekki, Tuula (Finnish National Rescue Association (SPEK))

Keywords

child safety, crime and security, elderly, energy security, national security, personal safety

Abstract

This survey charted Finnish views and opinions on safety and security in Finland. The study was conducted in 2017 by Suomen Kyselytutkimus in collaboration with the Finnish National Rescue Association (SPEK).

First, some questions on the respondents' personal wellbeing and security were asked (e.g. whether they thought they would receive financial help from the people close to them if they needed it). The respondents' preparedness for different threats and disturbances was examined with questions regarding, for instance, how many days their household would fare without electricity, water, public transport, etc. Views on national security were also charted, and the respondents were asked how likely they considered Finland facing different problems within the next three years (e.g. threat of terrorism or sustained recession, problems with the supply of electricity, political problems, epidemics or pandemics, a massive influx of refugees, environmental catastrophes).

Next, the respondents were presented with a set of attitudinal statements concerning the state's role in guaranteeing citizens' safety and livelihood, safety in different types of residential areas and in Finland more generally, the effect of technology on social relationships, the impact of media on safety, righteousness of the treatment of criminals and victims of crime, and trust in foreigners living in Finland. Feelings of unsafety were also charted, and the respondents were asked to what extent their feelings of safety were increased by different actors (e.g. the police, the Defence Forces, emergency services, healthcare services, family). The respondents' views on the biggest factors decreasing the safety of children and the elderly were surveyed (e.g. traffic, loneliness, crime, accidents, substance abuse). Finally, the respondents were asked how they thought the availability of various services, such as police or emergency services and public child day care, would change within the next three years.

Background variables included the type of the respondent's municipality of residence, NUTS2 and NUTS3 regions of residence, statistical grouping of municipalities, and residence in the seven largest cities in Finland (categorised). Additionally, the background variables included the respondent's age and age group, gender, household composition, whether R's parents were born in Finland, highest level of education, economic activity and occupational status, and sufficiency of the household's income.