The history of PET can be traced back to shortly before World War II when the Danish police force expanded to create the Sikkerhedspoliti .
Operations
The primary duties of the PET are counter-terrorism, counter-extremism, counter-espionage and security. Counterterrorism encompass stopping terrorist attacks on Denmark and Danish interests but preventing Denmark from being used as a base of operations for carrying out terrorist attacks in and against other countries. Furthermore, it attempts to gather evidence to ensure that terrorists are prosecuted. Denmark is obliged by UN and EU resolutions to support other states in prosecuting terrorists. Aside from the three main areas, PET also provides counselling to Danish companies on how to avoid espionage but is directly involved in countering industrial espionage only if an agency of a foreign government is involved. It has a role as national security advisor to the Danish government, public authorities and other branches of the police along with a number of other activities common to domestic security organisations. PET also provides bodyguards for Danish royalty, politicians and other persons.
Organization
PET is a part of the Danish police but reports directly to the Minister of Justice. The headquarters is in Copenhagen, and they have offices in Århus and Odense located in the localpolice stations. Because the service is integrated with the Danish police, they have representatives in all police precincts of Denmark.
The Security Department
The Security Department provides operational support to the other units of PET and the police districts through: the Special Intervention Unit, the Personal Protection Unit and the Negotiation Group. The Security Department also comprises: the Security Co-ordination Centre, which ensures ongoing prioritisation of, among other tasks, personal protection and security coordination assignments in relation to major events, state visits and similar.
Supervision and oversight
Several organs oversee PET in order to make sure the agency does not misuse its powers.
Besides those listed the agency is also under the control of the Courts of Denmark
Criticism and public relations
PET was criticised in the late 1990s for being closed to the public and has tried to counter these claims by adopting a more open approach. Thus PET has taken to maintain a website explaining its overall aims and obligations and publishing an annual public report surveying extremist activities in Denmark and the threat level to national domestic security. Following a report into the 2015 Copenhagen shootings, Jens Madsen resigned.
People with PET bodyguards
PET does not comment on whom they offer specific bodyguard protection. However, it is publicly established that the following people are under permanent protection:
