Citizen's Arrest (Anholdelse af private)
Written in plain language for general understanding. This is educational content, not legal advice. Based on Danish Acts of Parliament (love), executive orders (bekendtgørelser), and official government guidance.
Danish National Law
What is this right?
Danish law allows private citizens to make an arrest in limited circumstances:
- You may detain a person who is caught in the act (in flagrante delicto) of committing a criminal offence.
- The person must be handed over to the police as quickly as possible.
- You may use reasonable force to make the arrest, but no more than necessary.
- This right is rarely exercised and carries risks — if the arrest is deemed unjustified, you could face charges for unlawful deprivation of liberty (ulovlig frihedsberøvelse).
When does it apply?
- You personally witness someone committing a crime — for example, theft, assault, or vandalism.
- There is an immediate need to prevent the person from fleeing before police arrive.
What should you do?
- Call the police (112) first if possible — let them handle it.
- If you must intervene, use only the minimum force necessary to prevent the person from leaving.
- Hand the person to police immediately when they arrive.
- Identify yourself and explain what you witnessed to the arriving officers.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't use excessive force — you may be liable for assault if your response is disproportionate.
- Don't detain someone based on suspicion alone — the right only applies to offences you have directly witnessed.
- Don't interrogate the person or search their belongings — that is a police function.
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