Complaints Against Police
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?
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 should you do?
- 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.
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