Copenhagen Police have announced an extension of the existing search zones in the capital city. In just two weeks, the initiative has resulted in the seizure of a loaded firearm, 15 knives, and 5 pepper sprays. Since the introduction of these zones on August 9, the police have searched 600 individuals, highlighting the intensified control in these areas.
The temporary search zones, aimed at preventing further violence related to an ongoing gang conflict, will now remain in effect until September 20. The establishment of these zones followed the murder of a 43-year-old man in Nørrebro, which exacerbated the existing unrest.
Search zones allow the police to conduct body searches on individuals and search vehicles without the usual requirement of “reasonable suspicion.” This deviates from the general legal protections against arbitrary intrusions as specified in Danish law, which typically requires a clear public disclosure and justification from the police.
Chief Police Inspector Søren Thomassen from Copenhagen Police states that the purpose of the zones is to remove as many weapons as possible from the streets. Thomassen emphasizes that the extension is intended to continue strengthening efforts against armed violence in the affected areas.
The conflict involves two groups, one of which is based in Inner Nørrebro and around Holmbladsgade in Amager. The other group is more mobile and does not have a fixed base. The search zones include areas in Nørrebro, Nordvest, Frederiksberg, and Amager, where police will continue their intensified efforts.