Government declines enhanced police oversight proposal

The Danish government will vote against a proposal from the Socialist People’s Party (SF) to reform the Independent Police Complaints Authority (DUP). Despite agreeing with many of SF’s intentions, the Moderates’ justice spokesperson, Tobias Grotkjær Elmstrøm highlighted the need to consider the implications and costs. SF suggests enabling the DUP to investigate all types of police complaints, arguing that the current system where some complaints are handled internally by the police is confusing. Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard confirmed the government’s stance in Parliament, noting that the current system effectively protects legal rights. Although critical of a complete system overhaul, the government is open to deliberating specific improvements, including faster case resolution and expanded investigative powers for the DUP. Elmstrøm pointed out the public’s low trust in the DUP, with a 4.9 percent rate of cases leading to police criticism in 2022.