Copenhagen welcomes new night life safety patrols

Last weekend, municipal safety guards called ‘tryghedsvagter’ hit the streets of Copenhagen and were well-received, reports Unit Chief Line Ishøy from the Technical and Environmental Administration. Part of a trial scheme allowing municipalities to deploy security patrols to maintain peace and assist police, these guards were first introduced on July 17. They were active in the city center and Islands Brygge, responding to a couple of calls about disruptive music, which had ceased upon their arrival. On Islands Brygge, they managed to lower the volume from two soundboxes without any signs of conflict. Ishøy notes their biggest challenge so far has been blisters from walking 17 kilometers in new shoes. Posters have been erected to increase the visibility of the guards. Aarhus Municipality also plans to employ similar patrols, and these guards wear a distinct uniform to be easily identifiable.