Complaints Against Police 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?
Denmark has an independent body for investigating police misconduct:
- Den Uafhængige Politiklagemyndighed (DUP) — the Independent Police Complaints Authority — investigates complaints about police behaviour and criminal offences by police officers.
- Behaviour complaints: Complaints about rude, aggressive, or unprofessional conduct are handled by the authority and may result in disciplinary measures or criticism.
- Criminal complaints: If a police officer is suspected of a criminal offence (assault, abuse of power), the DUP investigates and the State Prosecutor decides whether to prosecute.
- Deaths and serious injuries in police custody are automatically investigated by the DUP, regardless of whether a complaint is filed.
When does it apply?
- You have experienced misconduct, excessive force, or unlawful treatment by a Danish police officer.
- Someone was injured or died in police custody or during a police operation.
What to Do If a Danish Police Officer Has Acted Unlawfully or Used Excessive Force
- File a complaint with the DUP — you can do this online at politiklagemyndigheden.dk, by email, or by post.
- Include details: Date, time, location, officer identification if known, and a description of what happened.
- Gather evidence — photos, medical records, witness contact details.
- There is no strict time limit for behaviour complaints, but file as soon as possible while evidence is fresh.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't complain to the police station that employed the officer — the complaint goes to the independent authority (DUP), not to the police themselves.
- Don't delay — witnesses forget and evidence disappears over time.
- Don't exaggerate or fabricate — filing a knowingly false complaint can itself be prosecuted.
Common Questions
Who investigates complaints against the police in Denmark?
The Independent Police Complaints Authority (Den Uafhængige Politiklagemyndighed — DUP). It handles both behaviour complaints (rude or aggressive conduct) and criminal complaints (assault, abuse of power) against officers. It is independent of the police and also automatically investigates deaths or serious injuries in police custody.
How do I file a complaint against the Danish police?
File directly with the DUP online at politiklagemyndigheden.dk, by email, or by post. Include date, time, location, officer identification if known, a description of what happened, and any evidence — photos, medical records, witness contact details. Do not complain to the station that employed the officer.
Is there a time limit for Danish police complaints?
There is no strict time limit for behaviour complaints, but file as soon as possible while witnesses can be reached and evidence is fresh. Filing a knowingly false complaint is itself a criminal offence, so stick to what you saw and can document.
When does it apply — complaints against police?
You have experienced misconduct, excessive force, or unlawful treatment by a Danish police officer.Someone was injured or died in police custody or during a police operation.
What should I do if a police officer treated me unlawfully or used excessive force in Denmark?
File a complaint with the DUP — you can do this online at politiklagemyndigheden.dk, by email, or by post.Include details: Date, time, location, officer identification if known, and a description of what happened.Gather evidence — photos, medical records, witness contact details.There is no strict time limit for behaviour complaints, but file as soon as possible while evidence is fresh.
What should you NOT do — complaints against police?
Don't complain to the police station that employed the officer — the complaint goes to the independent authority (DUP), not to the police themselves.Don't delay — witnesses forget and evidence disappears over time.Don't exaggerate or fabricate — filing a knowingly false complaint can itself be prosecuted.