Complaints Against the Police in Denmark (2026 Legal Guide) — Rules & Requirements
About this article
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 authority that investigates police conduct:
- Den Uafhængige Politiklagemyndighed (DUP, the Independent Police Complaints Authority) — investigates complaints about police conduct and criminal offences committed by officers.
- Conduct complaints: Complaints about rude, aggressive or unprofessional conduct are handled by the authority and can result in disciplinary measures or criticism.
- Criminal complaints: If a police officer is suspected of a criminal offence (violence, abuse of power), DUP investigates, and the State Prosecutor (Statsadvokaten) decides whether to bring charges.
- Deaths and serious injuries in police custody are investigated automatically by DUP, whether or not a complaint is filed.
When does it apply?
- You experienced misconduct, excessive use of force or unlawful treatment from 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 acted unlawfully or used excessive force
- File the complaint with DUP — you can do so online at politiklagemyndigheden.dk, by email or by letter.
- Include details: Date, time, place, the officer's identification if known, and a description of what happened.
- Gather evidence — photos, medical records, contact details of witnesses.
- There is no strict deadline for conduct complaints, but file the complaint as soon as possible while the evidence is fresh.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't complain to the police station that employed the officer — the complaint must go to the independent authority (DUP), not to the police itself.
- Don't wait too long — witnesses forget, and evidence disappears over time.
- Don't exaggerate or fabricate — filing a deliberately false complaint can itself be prosecuted.
About Police & Civil Rights in Denmark
Your rights during a Danish police encounter stem from Retsplejeloven (the Administration of Justice Act) and § 71 of the Constitution (Grundloven), which requires that you be brought before a judge within 24 hours of arrest. If you are stopped, you must give your name, address and date of birth — but you have the right to remain silent about criminal matters. On arrest you must be told the reason and have access to a defence lawyer (court-appointed if you cannot afford one). A search of a home normally requires a court order. Complaints about police conduct are filed with the independent DUP.
Common Questions
Who investigates complaints against the police in Denmark?
Den Uafhængige Politiklagemyndighed (DUP, the Independent Police Complaints Authority). It handles both conduct complaints (rude or aggressive behaviour) and criminal complaints (violence, 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 the complaint directly with DUP online at politiklagemyndigheden.dk, by email or by letter. Include the date, time, place, the officer's identification if known, a description of what happened and any evidence — photos, medical records, contact details of witnesses. Don't complain to the station that employed the officer.
Is there a deadline for Danish police complaints?
There is no strict deadline for conduct complaints, but file the complaint as soon as possible while witnesses can be reached and the evidence is fresh. Filing a deliberately false complaint is itself a criminal offence, so stick to what you saw and can document.
What is the complaints against the police right in Denmark?
Denmark has an independent authority that investigates police conduct:Den Uafhængige Politiklagemyndighed (DUP, the Independent Police Complaints Authority) — investigates complaints about police conduct and criminal offences committed by officers.Conduct complaints: Complaints about rude, aggressive or unprofessional conduct are handled by the authority and can result in disciplinary measures or criticism.Criminal complaints: If a police officer is suspected of a criminal offence (violence, abuse of power), DUP investigates, and the State Prosecutor (Statsadvokaten) decides whether to bring...
When does it apply — complaints against the police?
You experienced misconduct, excessive use of force or unlawful treatment from 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 the complaint with DUP — you can do so online at politiklagemyndigheden.dk, by email or by letter.Include details: Date, time, place, the officer's identification if known, and a description of what happened.Gather evidence — photos, medical records, contact details of witnesses.There is no strict deadline for conduct complaints, but file the complaint as soon as possible while the evidence is fresh.
What should you NOT do — complaints against the police?
Don't complain to the police station that employed the officer — the complaint must go to the independent authority (DUP), not to the police itself.Don't wait too long — witnesses forget, and evidence disappears over time.Don't exaggerate or fabricate — filing a deliberately false complaint can itself be prosecuted.