Anyone can go to the police.
The task of the police is to maintain public order and prevent, investigate and solve crime. Anyone can go to the police for help and to report an offence. For example, you can go to the police if you have been robbed or attacked or if you have witnessed a crime. You can also call 112.
The SSP scheme
In many areas, the police work with schools and social authorities in the so-called SSP scheme. This is a joint initiative to prevent crime amongst youths.
Rules governing the police
The police are required to follow a number of rules when arresting or questioning a suspect. They must not use or threaten to use violence. And they must inform the arrested party of his or her rights.
Great trust in the police
By and large, Danes have great trust in the police. If a person is dissatisfied with police treatment, they can complain to the public prosecutor* who, among other things, deals with complaints regarding police behaviour. There are six regional public prosecutor offices. To find out more, log onto www.rigsadvokaten.dk.
Self-redress
It is forbidden to take the law into your own hands, for example, by hitting someone because they have annoyed you. This is known as self-redress and is a criminal offence.
Source: Citizen in Denmark.
Opdated January 9th, 2009.
