As of next autumn, police will be able to access information from social and healthcare service providers in certain cases.A police document with a "classified" stamp (file photo). Image: Laura Merikalla / YleYle News11:06President Alexander Stubb has signed off on a government proposal to streamline the exchange of information between the police and other authorities.The legislative amendments take effect in October. They include updates to laws governing the police, Border Guard, Customs and the Finnish Defence Forces.The Immigration Service (Migri) will also gain access to certain warrants for apprehension. It will also be required to notify the police of the identity and presence of any apprehended person on its premises.The legislative changes will bolster the exchange of information to prevent, detect and investigate crimes, the government said on Thursday.They are also steps toward boosting crime prevention, national security and societal resilience to crises, all targets laid out in the government programme from three years ago.Police may access information on social and healthcareIn some strictly limited situations, police will be able to obtain information from social and healthcare service providers regarding the identity and presence of individuals at specific locations. This will apply, for example, to the detection and investigation of certain offences, the protection of national security and searches for missing persons.However, they will not be able to access confidential discussions between individuals and healthcare or social welfare professionals.In the future, the police may disclose confidential information to authorities and, in certain situations, to private bodies, such as critical infrastructure operators. They may also obtain information from private actors if deemed necessary to prevent threats to life or health.These changes "aim to make crime prevention more effective, improve cooperation between authorities and strengthen security in society," the government said.