Faroese police association says public trust in law enforcement remains strong

Public confidence in the Faroese police remains intact despite recent controversies, the head of the Faroese Police Association told national broadcaster Kringvarp Føroya this week.

Eyðun Dalsgarð, chair of the association, dismissed suggestions that high-profile cases—such as the ongoing investigation into fish farming company Bakkafrost—have eroded trust in law enforcement. While acknowledging internal challenges within the force, he stressed that public perception of police officers in uniform and on patrol has not declined.

“There is nothing to indicate that the debate around cases like Bakkafrost has weakened the public’s trust in the police as an institution,” Dalsgarð stated.

In August 2024, Dalsgarð had publicly warned of a crisis in Faroese policing, citing severe staffing shortages. Though some progress has been made—including the recent adoption of drone technology, already in use by Danish police for years—recruitment remains a persistent issue.

The association’s remarks follow a statement last week from Faroese Police acknowledging internal restructuring efforts and reaffirming their commitment to maintaining public trust.