Often, the most effective way of countering a specific threat is to initiate criminal proceedings, especially in relation to terrorism and extremism.
The aim of our investigations is typically to establish sufficient grounds for proactive, early and targeted intervention in order to ensure that the threat never materializes. As part of this effort, sources, surveillance and other technical measures are commonly used.
PET has a special Centre for Investigation tasked with providing the best possible basis for bringing criminal charges in cases relating to terrorism, extremism and espionage. Like the rest of the Danish police, any criminal investigation performed by PET is subject to the provisions of the Administration of Justice Act.
Investigation and prosecution take place in close collaboration with the police and the Prosecution Service. When PET for instance investigates a terrorism or espionage case, the case is typically transferred to the relevant police district in connection with the initial arrests, by agreement with the Prosecution Service. The police district then finalizes the investigation and hands it over to the Prosecution Service, which brings it to court. Sometimes, PET assists the investigation until the trial begins, while, in other cases, we also assist in trying the case.