A video posted by the Danish Police has taken TikTok by storm, amassing over 140 million views. In the video, three officers join a popular TikTok trend where one person lip-syncs to a pop song near the camera, while, in the background, they “anholder” a robber. This innovative approach is part of the work by Politietis Online Patrulje (POP).
What is Politietis Online Patrulje (POP)?
Established in 2022, Politietis Online Patrulje (POP) is a specialized division within the Danish Police designed to “ensure online safety and prevent and investigate crime.” POP engages directly with children and young people through platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Discord. Their work ranges from creating videos that advise on avoiding online scams and warnings against hacking attempts to sharing reminders about not sharing passwords.
Bridging the gap between law enforcement and youth
The viral video is one example of how POP leverages social media to meet young people “on their level.” As Sisse Birkebæk from POP explains:
“When we are on a platform like TikTok, it is pointless to do it with a wagging finger. Then it doesn’t matter. We have to meet children and young people at eye level.”
By participating in trends, even with a touch of humor, the division not only disseminates important safety information but also builds a relatable and trustworthy image among younger audiences.
Resourceful engagement and impact
Despite some public debate over the use of tax money for TikTok videos, POP maintains that engaging with youth through digital channels is both resourceful and necessary. Sisse Birkebæk states:
“We are often met with the question of whether taxpayers’ money should really go to silly TikTok videos. But in our view, it makes perfect sense because it is precisely there that we can reach thousands.”
With a dedicated team whose combined experience amounts to 10-12 years per officer, POP’s efforts have proven effective. Besides the entertaining content, the division handles serious inquiries: in 2023, POP received 5.200 concrete inquiries through various online channels and assisted in 66 investigations, including cases related to digital harassment.
A new era for law enforcement on social media
The viral success of the Danish Police video on TikTok underscores the department’s innovative strategy for engaging with the public. By blending humor, authority, and direct communication, Politietis Online Patrulje (POP) is not only modernizing how police interact with society but also significantly enhancing online safety education among young people.
