medborger_i_danmark_engelsk.pdf - Ny i Danmark

19Anyone may contactthe policeDemonstrationsSSP schemeRules for the policeThe Danish policeThe principal responsibility of the policeis to uphold law and order and to prevent,investigate and solve crime. Anyone maycontact the police for assistance in findinglost items or missing persons, and toreport criminal offences.You may, for example, contact thepolice if you have become the victim oftheft or violence, or if you think you havebeen subjected to discrimination.The police also issue passports anddrivers’ licences.Anyone in Denmark is entitled todemonstrate, provided that the police isinformed about the demonstration inadvance. The police are also present atdemonstrations to ensure that they areconducted in a peaceful manner.In many areas, the police cooperate withthe schools and social authorities under acooperative effort, referred to as the SSPscheme (School, Social and Police), toprevent crime among young people.The police must comply with a number ofrules and regulations when stopping,arresting or questioning a person. Forexample, they may not use violence orthreatened violence, and they must readthe arrested person his/her rights.In general, the police are one of theprofessional groups in Denmark thatenjoys the greatest support from thepopulation. Anyone dissatisfied with theway he or she has been treated by thepolice may bring a complaint before thepublic prosecutors*.When the public prosecution servicehandles a complaint, it is closely monitoredby the District Police ComplaintsBoard*, an independent body that caninfluence the way in which the publicprosecution service deals with the case.Taking the law into one’s own hands, e.g.by hitting someone in response to beingharassed, is prohibited and a punishableact.The police enjoypublic supportTaking the law intoone’s own hands isprohibitedDENMARK – A DEMOCRATIC SOCIETY FOUNDED ON THE RULE OF LAW