Copenhagen Police Increase Presence Following Violent Incidents
Copenhagen Police have intensified their presence in the streets of the capital in response to a series of violent incidents and shootings. Police Inspector Tommy Laursen stated to B.T. that the aim is to restore peace and safety in the city as quickly as possible. This initiative will see an increased number of officers deployed in various at-risk areas, including parts of Amager, Nordvest, Frederiksberg, and Nørrebro, where the most recent tragic incident involved the shooting death of a 43-year-old man on Thursday evening.
Laursen explained that the initiative takes two approaches: an investigative approach and a security approach. The investigative approach has resulted in several arrests and detentions. The security aspect focuses on collaboration with social initiatives from the City of Copenhagen (Københavns Kommune) and includes the use of mobile police stations. The police are receiving assistance from other police districts, which allows them to reallocate resources to enhance local police work with residents and youth in the area.
While Laursen did not elaborate on the number of officers deployed, he emphasized that local officers’ knowledge of the residents and the dynamics of the area is crucial. As part of the strategy, the police have also introduced search zones in vulnerable areas.
In addition to the fatal shooting on Thursday, Copenhagen has experienced several other violent incidents. These include shootings at Blågårds Plads and a grenade throwing incident in Østerbro. Reports have also indicated the involvement of Swedish individuals in these incidents, with previous reports from B.T. detailing how Swedish criminals are being recruited to carry out murders in Denmark.