When the Police Authority released new medical requirements for police training earlier this year, it was clear that even people who medicate for, for example, ADHD should be able to be admitted to police training.

A natural consequence of the new rules that came into force in the autumn of 2021, and which made it possible for people with neuropsychiatric diagnoses, NPF, for example ADHD, to be admitted to police training.

Rules that were updated after a decision from the DO.

And now the DO must find out if it is also discriminatory to stop people with type 1 diabetes from education.

This is after several notifications have been received by the authority.

"Clear discrimination"

Among other things, it is stated that police officers who have been diagnosed with diabetes during the training are allowed to remain in external service and that the authority has not consulted a diabetes doctor when updating the medical requirements for the training.

One of those who reported is Harris, who works as a civilian investigator within the Police Authority.

When he applied in 2020 for the business-oriented police training for already employed within the Police Authority, he was immediately excluded with reference to his diabetes diagnosis.

- I think it is discrimination.

If you now approve medication for NPF diagnoses, you should do the same for us who have type 1 diabetes.

"Non-existent risk"

Harris also says the agency has not kept up with the medical advances made over the past 20 years when it comes to treating diabetes.

- With the new technical aids, you have a rock bottom.

I have a sensor on my arm that regularly measures my blood sugar.

If it is on its way down, it vibrates in good time and you just throw a dextrosol in your mouth.

I believe that the risk for me is non-existent with today's treatment - one should definitely be able to get an individual assessment, just like those who medicate against their NPF diagnosis.  

The statement from DO, which SVT Nyheter has read, demands that the Police Authority now answer a number of questions.

For example, what medical assessment criteria are the basis for the authority's admission requirements when it comes to people with diabetes and how the Police Authority should handle if a police officer on duty falls ill with diabetes - should the person then be allowed to continue working as a police officer?

The answers must have been received by the DO no later than 12 April this year.