Den Uafhængige Politiklagemyndighed
Politiklagemyndigheden
Summary
Den Uafhængige Politiklagemyndighed (DUPK) is Denmark's independent police complaints authority, established 1 January 2012 under Retsplejeloven kap. 11a, 93b, and 93c. DUPK independently investigates criminal offences committed by police and prosecution personnel on duty (kap. 93c) and processes conduct complaints (kap. 93b). It automatically initiates investigations whenever a person dies or is seriously injured following police intervention or while in police custody. In criminal cases it uses full criminal-procedure investigative powers (searches, interviews, compelled testimony). In conduct cases it issues advisory findings; any resulting disciplinary sanction is imposed by Rigspolitiet or the prosecution service. The Politiklagerådet — a High Court judge (chair), attorney, law professor, and two public members — governs the authority; the director is appointed by the Minister of Justice on the council's recommendation. The authority operates with full independence from police, prosecution, and the Ministry.
Independence Scorecard
| Appointment | Mixed (multi-branch) |
|---|---|
| Term length | Not specified |
| Removal standard | For cause only |
| Budget independence | Legislative line item |
| Subpoena power | Yes |
| Compel testimony | Yes |
| Records access | Full access |
| Public reports required | Yes |
| Pre-publication review | None — reports published directly |
Statute
- Name
- Retsplejeloven (Administration of Justice Act), kapitel 11a, 93b, 93c
- Citation
- LBK nr 1160 af 05/11/2024, kap. 11a (§§ 1018–1018 h), kap. 93b (§§ 1019–1019 r), kap. 93c (§§ 1020–1020 k)
- Full text
- Full text of law →
Jurisdiction scope
All Danish police personnel and prosecution service staff performing police tasks, on duty; includes use-of-force incidents and deaths/serious injuries in police custody or as result of police intervention