Inspector Harri Palmu, 62, was born and raised in Helsinki and has lived here all his life. He is married, with two adult sons.
He joined the staff of the foreigners' section of the Helsinki Police Pasport office in 1971, and became a passport inspector from 1972.
From 1976-1990 he headed the Passport Office's surveillance unit, and from 1990-93, he ran the Aliens' Office. He has headed the Immigration Unit at the Helsinki Police Department's Aliens' Office since 2001.
In 1985 he was chosen as Officer of the Year in the Helsinki Police Department, and was awarded the Police Medal in the same year.
His hobbies include history, the study of local Helsinki slang, and Rotary (he is a Past President of the Vuosaari Rotary Club).
He also holds five Finnish Championship track relay medals from his active days with HKV (Helsingin Kisa-Veikot).
Helsingin Sanomat / First published in print 23.3.2006
