The
Finnish Border guard (
Finnish:
Rajavartiolaitos,
Swedish:
Gränsbevakningsväsendet) is the
national security agency responsible for enforcing the security of
Finland's borders. It is a
paramilitary organization, subordinate to the
Ministry of the Interior in administrative issues and to the President of the Republic in issues pertaining to the president's authority as
Commander-in-Chief (e.g. officer promotions). The Border Guard has police and investigative powers in immigration matters and can independently investigate immigration violations. The Border Guard has
search and rescue (SAR) duties, both maritime and inland. The Guard operates SAR helicopters that are often used in inland SAR, in assistance of a local fire and rescue department or other authorities.