Politiloven

Politiloven is the name given to the main statute governing police powers in several Nordic countries, most notably Denmark and Norway. It provides the framework for how police organizations are structured and how officers may exercise authority in the performance of their duties. The law typically covers the police mandate to prevent and investigate crime, maintain public order and safety, assist in emergencies, and enforce the law, including traffic control and border-related activities where applicable.

Key provisions describe the circumstances under which police may stop, question, detain, arrest, search, and seize; rules governing the use of force; and the procedures police must follow to ensure due process, including rights to counsel, information about arrests, and access to interpretation when needed. The act also regulates data handling and privacy in the course of policing and the collection of evidence.

Accountability mechanisms are usually built into politiloven through oversight by courts, prosecutors, inspectorates, ombudsmen, and parliamentary oversight, with remedies for misconduct and administrative or criminal consequences for violations.

Because politiloven is used in more than one country, the exact provisions and structure vary by jurisdiction. In both Denmark and Norway, the act is periodically amended to reflect changes in human rights standards, policing practices, and technological developments.

See also: Law enforcement, civil rights, police accountability.