This guide is informational. Always verify how the rules apply to your specific case.
Brief Answer: On October 1, 2025, legislative amendments came into effect allowing the use of secret and preventive coercive measures—such as secret surveillance and monitoring of electronic communications—even against children under 15 years old in certain serious cases. Children can also be detained in more situations and for longer periods, such as during interrogations or when being handed over to guardians or social services. Several provisions are time-limited.
This guide is written for parents and guardians. It pertains to social services and the police. For an overview of the terms: secret coercive measures – overview.
What applies since October 1, 2025?
According to the government's press release and prop. 2024/25:175, the amendments include:
- Secret coercive measures may be used to investigate certain serious crimes where the reasonably suspected individual is under 15 years old.
- Preventive coercive measures may be used against children under 15 to prevent, deter, and detect certain particularly serious crimes.
- Detention may occur in more cases and for somewhat longer periods than before.
The government justifies the reform by stating that serious crime is affecting younger ages and that children are being drawn into criminal networks. Critics point out that children below the age of criminal responsibility are being subjected to tools previously reserved for serious adult cases—and that preventive measures can be applied before a traditional criminal process exists.
Time limitation: several provisions are only valid until the end of September 2028 or September 2030. It is important if you are following the legal situation over time.
Detention – more than “a short conversation”
The amendments allow for children to be detained in more situations, such as:
- in connection with interrogations
- for handover to guardians
- for handover to social services
As a parent, you should therefore distinguish between three things:
- What does the police say they are doing right now?
- Is there a formal decision, case number, or protocol?
- Is social services involved—and if so, with what mandate?
When social services get involved
Secret coercive measures are a crime-fighting track. Social services work with concerns, protection, and interventions according to the Social Services Act. The tracks can intersect when the child is detained for handover or when the police pass on information.
Practically, this means you may need to work in parallel:
- Police track: documents, timeline, possibly public counsel/lawyer
- Social services track: investigation, home visits, documentation, corrections
Guides: concern report – what happens?, prepare for a meeting with social services, home visits.
Practical steps for you as a parent
- Write a timeline the same day: time, place, which officials, what was said to the child.
- Request in writing: case number, protocol, decision on detention if such exists.
- Ask if the child had access to a guardian and if anyone was notified.
- Contact legal counsel early in cases of serious suspicions or secret measures—do not wait for the “next letter.”
- Keep the tracks separate between police and social services so that incorrect information is not copied between files. See corrections in social services' investigation.
- Request documents from both authorities. See requesting public documents.
What you should not assume
- That “under 15” means no secret tools can be used—it is no longer true in certain cases.
- That social services and the police always have the same perspective or the same mandate.
- That you will automatically know if secret surveillance is ongoing. The secrecy is often the point.
FAQ
Can the police listen in on my child under 15?
In certain serious cases, yes, under the law's conditions and normally with permission. It is not a general right to listen in on all children.
Are the changes permanent?
No. Several parts are time-limited to 2028 or 2030.
What are preventive coercive measures against children?
Tools to prevent, deter, or detect certain particularly serious crimes—not just to investigate an already suspected crime in the usual manner.
Should I contact social services myself?
Sometimes. If the child is already under investigation: document and request records. If you need advice on the child's rights: legal counsel is often more important than “explaining yourself” verbally first.
