Citizen's Arrest (Anholdelse af private) in Denmark
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Danish Acts of Parliament (love), executive orders (bekendtgørelser), and official government guidance. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
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 to Do If You Witness a Crime in Progress and Want to Detain the Offender in Denmark
- 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.
Common Questions
Is citizen's arrest legal in Denmark?
Yes, but only in narrow circumstances under Retsplejeloven § 755(2). You may detain a person caught in the act (in flagrante delicto) of committing a criminal offence, must use only reasonable force, and must hand them over to the police as quickly as possible. It is a rarely exercised right and carries legal risk.
Can I be charged for making a citizen's arrest in Denmark?
Yes, if the arrest is deemed unjustified you could face charges for unlawful deprivation of liberty (ulovlig frihedsberøvelse) or for assault if your force was disproportionate. Always call 112 first where possible and let police handle the situation.
What can I not do during a citizen's arrest in Denmark?
You must not interrogate the person or search their belongings — that is a police function. You cannot detain someone on suspicion alone; the right only applies to offences you directly witnessed. Use the minimum force necessary and release the person to arriving officers immediately.
When does it apply — citizen's arrest (anholdelse af private)?
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 I do if I see someone committing a crime and the police have not arrived yet in Denmark?
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 — citizen's arrest (anholdelse af private)?
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.