Department of Public Security

Director: Drífa Kristín Sigurðardóttir (Acting Director)

The Department of Public Security is responsible for matters within the Icelandic public administration that pertain to public safety and security, including law enforcement and the Police, the Coast Guard, civil protection, and search and rescue.

The department develops policy and legislation within its field of responsibility, and safeguards compliance with the law in administrative practice. It also ensures that the Minister ‘s policy objectives are implemented through effective and coordinated action.

Furthermore, the Department of Public Security provides information to Alþingi and its committees and represents the Government in its relations with individuals, stakeholders and NGOs within its field.

The Department’s main areas of responsibility are as follows:

  • Police
  • Coast Guard
  • Civil Protection
  • Monitoring and protection of key social infrastructure
  • Weapons and arms
  • Professional security services
  • Matters of safety and rescue, search-and-rescue operations
  • Coordinated emergency response
  • National security
    The Department of Public Security employs five specialists in addition to the Director.

Organizational chart