Both local and national police were sent in droves on what turned out to be a Monday completely out of the ordinary in Skjolden and Ornes. The alarm report about threats and a person being held against their will turned out to be a misunderstanding. The police say it appears as if the message was misunderstood. – When we arrived and got to talk to all those involved, they gave the impression that everything was ok, that they were fine and that the message was misunderstood, says Ina Wilhelmsen, incident leader for the police in Sogndal. – We make decisions based on what we know in an initial phase. When there is information about possible deprivation of liberty, it is a serious matter, she adds. Police base in the yard But the police pressed the big button. She is careful with what she says about the incident. But there is little doubt that they had really close contact with the action. – You get a bit of a pulse, but at the same time it felt safe to have the police in the yard, says Rakel Optun Skagen. Photo: Private The family lives nicely, with an overview of the village. From their yard, the police were allowed to work undisturbed on unraveling the message. – There were quite a few cars in the yard. At the end of the day, the police helicopter also came to collect her and hers back to Oslo, she says. Including the family’s own cars, Skagen counted 12 cars in the yard and elsewhere on the property. – Everything went well, quiet and calm. There was no drama, she says. But the auction was a great joy for three-year-old Samuel at Ornes. – When asked if he thought it was exciting to have an emergency vehicle in the yard, he replied: “Yes, it’s perfect”, says Rakel Optun Skagen. Three-year-old Samuel thought it was exciting to have the police and helicopter in the yard. Photo: Privat Got a lot of questions While most of the police activity was civilian at Ornes, a large number of uniformed emergency services were on “standby” at Skjolden. Mayor Andreas Wise (Sp) lives in Skjolden himself and thought it was a practice when the emergency services went out to the village. He was contacted by many residents who wanted to know what happened. – Many people may be disturbed by such an expression. It’s supposed to be serious when the police go out with a helicopter, he says. Wiese settled that no one needed to worry. He notes that the entire police action was based on a misunderstanding. – We have already had a serious incident in the municipality this summer. It would have been shocking if we had another serious incident. Fortunately, it wasn’t, he says and notes that both the preparedness and the response to the village worked. – Clear message Operations leader Wilhelmsen does not wish to go into more detail about what the alarm was about. After that, news learns of the emergency report of three tourists and a dog who came to the village on Saturday. After a dramatic end to their stay in Luster, they traveled on to their next destination. It was not one of the travelers who notified the police. Wilhelmsen defends the use of resources. – It was a clear and concrete message related to threats and deprivation of liberty, she says. – When the police receive such serious reports, we put into action the resources that we believe are necessary to be able to handle and solve such a mission. No criminal proceedings Apart from a couple of phone calls to the parties involved, the several-hour-long action has no repercussions. Skagen is also looking forward to such a phone after the police established a base in their yard. Although the children took the incident well, they have several questions about what happened. – It might be good to know what we can – and cannot – say to them, she says. Skjolden and Ornes are favorite destinations for tourists. Published 30.07.2024, at 14.49 Updated 30.07.2024, at 15.21
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Misunderstanding triggered a major police operation in Luster i Sogn – news Vestland
