Sweden's top elite police officers are finding it increasingly difficult to find qualified recruits. Now, only three to four percent pass the tests for the National Response Force. At the same time, the Police Authority has changed its admission requirements and is working to increase diversity.
The National Response Force, which is tasked with preventing terrorist attacks, school attacks, and other life-threatening situations, is facing growing recruitment challenges. According to Swedish Radio In recent years, fewer and fewer applicants have passed the entrance exams. Only three to four percent are admitted.
Becoming a special operations operator requires exceptional physical ability, high intelligence, and the ability to handle stress. Among other things, recruits undergo a ten-day final exam under extreme stress. The commander of the special operations force Mårten refuses to compromise on safety.
– It's also true that I don't want to make a mistake, because that would have even greater consequences.
The police have made diversity a priority
At the same time, the Police Authority has been working to increase the proportion of women and people with foreign backgrounds. Freedom News In 2025, it was noted that women need to achieve Level 3 on the police physical fitness test, while men must pass Level 6. The agency has also begun a review of the admissions process.
Despite the recruitment crisis, the National Response Force is sticking to its rigorous testing standards. Starting in 2026, recruitment will take place annually instead of every other year. This approach will thus provide more opportunities to find qualified operators—not lower standards.
It probably doesn't matter if they can't get enough people into the rapid response team—they don't do anything anyway once they're on the scene. Just look at the Örebro shooting: the rapid response team was there but stayed outside and waited until the perpetrator was dead—anyone can do that. There are more examples.
They're working for a corrupt system anyway, not for the interests of the Swedish people.