Reducing entry level police training from three to two years has some critics suggesting the change will result in a lower quality force. Police union president Claus Oxfeldt disagrees.

“We are delighted there will be solid focus on continuing education and training,” Oxfeldt told DR Nyheder. “This is a completely different way to raise competency. It could be a good deal.”

“Discount police force”
Adam Diderichsen, a lecturer in police science at Aalborg University, said the changes will result in Denmark having a “discount police force”.

Diderichsen helped develop and implement the current police training program and said it is “unrealistic” to think the changes will not adversely affect police skills.

“His comments are quite strange because I’m guessing he does not know what is in the basic education agreement,” Oxfeldt said, noting that he is satisfied with the agreement.

“It is not a quick fix, but a long process.”