Kihlakunnanvouti
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Kihlakunnanvouti is the title of a Finnish enforcement officer (ulosottomies). In the Åland Islands, the equivalent title is maakunnanvouti.
A kihlakunnanvouti must have a legal education and be a qualified lawyer. They are assisted by kihlakunnanulosottomiehet, who handle most individual enforcement cases[1] (approximately 3.35 million cases per year). In addition, enforcement offices employ administrative staff. The total number of enforcement personnel in Finland is 1,017.[2]
The Enforcement Authority of Finland (Ulosottolaitos) is a national agency with 64 offices across the country.[3] The heads of enforcement units are known as johtava kihlakunnanvouti (leading kihlakunnanvouti).[4]
The johtava kihlakunnanvouti and kihlakunnanvouti are appointed by the Valtakunnanvouti (National Enforcement Officer).[5]
The title of kihlakunnanvouti was introduced in the 1990s as part of a regional reform. Before that, enforcement duties were handled by the kaupunginvouti in old towns[6] and by the local nimismies (lensmann) in other areas.