The Dialogue Police

A small unit within the Swedish Police works with dialogue as their only weapon, providing a buffer zone between protesters and police officers on the streets. Following their work on the frontline of democracy is necessary and inspiring in a time when dialogue seems to be collapsing more and more.

Documentary filmmaker Susanna Edwards (Capturing the Divine) follows a group of dialogue police officers – a specialized unit established after the Gothenburg riots in 2001. Their mission is to uphold democratic values and prevent escalation through dialogue. But keeping a cool head in emotionally charged situations is a demanding task that takes its toll on many in the group. 

The Dialogue Police is an intense and compelling contemporary chronicle of the conflicts that are defining our times – such as protests by environmental activists, Quran burnings and political gatherings. It is an inspiring account of the work it takes to help strengthen democracy and safeguard every citizen’s right to meet and raise their voices in public.