NCJ Number
141308
Date Published
1992
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This paper discusses the operational and statutory aspects of policing in Greenland.
Abstract
Like the Atlantic islands named the Faroes, Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark, and, like the Faroe Islands, it has extensive autonomy. Ultimately, however, the police are not under Greenland's authority. Police in Denmark, the Faroes, and Greenland form one corps directly employed by the Danish state. The basic principles for the activities of the Greenland police are in Greenland's Justice Act, which stipulates that the police must ensure that legislation is respected, that action is taken against law violations, and that preventive work is performed. The police in Greenland are directed to perform the same duties as the police in Denmark according to the Danish Justice Act. Given the differences in the social, cultural, and developmental conditions of the two countries, however, the work of the Greenland police must be tailored to the particular problems and issues associated with Greenland's communities. The police district of Greenland is divided into 17 police regions in which the population varies. This is reflected in the staffing of the police stations. The Greenland police perform varied duties; in addition to fighting crime, the police have responsibilities in child custody cases and the management of the search and rescue service. Police also focus on crime prevention. Police cooperate with social services and the schools to identify early signs of problem behaviors. The nature of police activities is not expected to change much in the next few years. 2 resource readings