Copenhagen introduces ‘safety guards’ to manage and secure its nightlife scene

A new type of security guard will make their debut in Copenhagen’s nightlife scene tonight. The city has decided to introduce ‘safety guards’ to help manage parties that are becoming out of control, de-escalate conflicts, and document public order offenses. This is a three-year pilot program which the city decided to launch in April.

Starting tonight, the first of these guards will hit the streets. “They are visible and aim to create safety for both those participating in the nightlife and for those living in the areas,” said Sine Jochumsen, head of the Technical and Environmental Administration in Copenhagen.

The safety guards will patrol the nightlife in central Copenhagen, and later in Nørrebro, Islands Brygge, and Nordhavn. They will wear uniforms, carry identification, and undergo guard training. However, they will not have police powers, so they cannot detain people or issue fines.

The guards will work with the police, noise guards, night hosts, and restaurant bouncers. They will patrol around central Copenhagen from Wednesday to Saturday, from 6 pm to 4 am.

The guards have undergone training and will wear uniforms. “There have been situations where the parties have gotten out of hand,” said Birgitte Wad, head of the DRC, the trade organization for Denmark’s restaurants, and cafés.

Starting next week, the safety guards will also patrol in Nørrebro. From next summer, Nordhavn and Islands Brygge will also have these new guards to help create a safer nightlife.