Field Trippin'

CPH
65 degrees, SUNNY

Wednesday is the DIS designated "field study" day and today was the season opener.  My Danish Politics and Society class headed over to the police department to meet some of Denmark's favorite civil servants.  This isn't a joke though, they really do like the police here.

So friendly!

We role up to the police station where we meet Kaspar who is in charge of the platoons.  Cool guy.  He gave us a quick run down of the history of the building, which I will share with you because I think it says a lot about the attitude the police have here in denmark.  The police headquarters is a formidable stone building meant to give the impression of strength and power.

                             

BAM.  

But, then you go inside and its a whole different... well, building.  Ten percent of the total project budget was spent on decorating and ornamentation.

 

"Floating" stair case

This attention to detail and refinement is very much a part of the way the police go about their jobs as well.  Police protocol in Denmark is extremely civil, well planned, and efficient.

Examples: 1.  Kaspar explained how billy clubs are often considered to be an excessive use of force.  2. When you are being arrested- two police officers hold your wrists, put their other arm under your armpit, and walk you away.  3. Instead of spraying tear gas, Danish police have created a soap spray that "blinds and confuses" the person creating problems.  4. Instead of using people and fences to make police barricades they line up their fancy police trucks in a line so no one can pass.  This also gives them the option to "sit inside and eat chocolate," Kaspar's words not mine.  

They've got one hell of a system going over here and the thing is, it works!  Something like ten officers have EVER died in the line of duty in Denmark.  So tip of the hat to you Denmark police- keep up the good work.