Perle or "perker"?

I think this has been one of the most amusing incidents in Danish language history; something which not even Monty Python could have made up. I better tell this in English; although it is easier to understand in Danish, it is nevertheless somewhat related to the recent turmoil about Prince Harry's racist comments, but this is much more ridiculous.
During recent demonstrations in Copenhagen against the Israeli attacks on Gaza, a Danish police-man was caught on camera shouting "perker" at a demonstrator. "Perker" is a very derogatory racist term, actually the very worst one can say in Danish, and the case immediately went out to the media.
I would not be surprised that a touchy Danish police force where foreigners are a rarity, use this expression widely, and this should be no surprise. However, the quasi-comical reaction was surprising: the policeman denied he had said it and was fully supported by the Police Director of Denmark.
What is heard on the recording then?
"Perle".
This means "pearl", and has exactly the same meaning and usage as in English.
So apparently, the policeman, in a heated situation with demonstrators, decided to call the demostrator something that I would think is usually reserved as an endearing adjective?

What would you think if a guy in uniform called you "Perle"?
YMCA.

Nevertheless, the police insists that is what he said, and in the attempt to support each other, another policeman has insisted that "pearl" is an adjective policemen always use on people.
Of course, police-spokesmen have added that even calling people "perle" is not something that should be done.

I don't know you guys, but I think Danish police should find a more neutral expression: "Sir"? "Mister"? And well, if they don't want to seem to be insulting anyone, they should perhaps consider "Skat" (Danish: "Treasure") which runs less the risk of being confused with "perker".
Because of course all policemen in Denmark say "Perle" to people...

Yeah right.