‘As police, we did not meet our professional standard. I find that particularly painful and I regret it,’ says Martin Sitalsing, police chief of the Northern Netherlands unit. According to Sitalsing, the events had a significant impact on all involved.
Evaluation
On January 16, 2024, a violent crime occurred in which two people lost their lives. This crime was preceded by a prolonged conflict, arising from a dispute over the sale of a house. The suspect was arrested immediately after the crime and was one of the parties involved in the conflict. He provided a confessing statement. Shortly after the crime, it became apparent that the police had been intensively involved in the conflict. The leadership of the Northern Netherlands police unit then decided to evaluate the polices actions.
Sitalsing: ‘To do better in the future, we critically reviewed our actions so that we can learn from them as an organization. The evaluation is now complete, and we want to share its outcomes transparently.’ The evaluation contains lessons for the entire organization and is therefore shared broadly within the police. ‘Whether it concerns the careful and timely recording of information, management, internal and external collaboration, or supervision of legal firearm possession, this evaluation is not optional,’ says Sitalsing.
Different
‘While we will never know if the outcome would have been different, the evaluation makes it clear that we should have acted differently,’ says Sitalsing. ‘This does not mean that police officers did nothing. They were intensively involved in the conflict and certainly made efforts to prevent the conflict from escalating,’ he emphasizes.
Case Management
The evaluation shows that reports were often treated separately. As a result, the police did not have a clear picture of the pattern of incidents and possible stalking. The lack of that picture led to work processes around stalking not being followed, and an adequate risk assessment and corresponding action plan were lacking. ‘What could have certainly helped in this case is case management. Management by a police officer with the right knowledge and experience, who actively gathers all information and can arrive at adequate and effective interventions based on a complete picture,’ says Sitalsing.
Firearm Permit
Although illegal weapons were used in the crime, the evaluation also reveals vulnerabilities regarding the firearm permit system. The suspect possessed several licensed hunting rifles. ‘Based on the available information, we should have revoked his hunting license and confiscated his licensed weapons,’ says Sitalsing. ‘The fact that the crime was committed with illegal weapons does not change that. Guidelines were not followed.’
Improvements Necessary
For the national portfolio of Care & Safety, this evaluation confirms that cases around stalking are complex. Recognizing patterns and signals of (possible) stalking is a crucial first step in making a risk assessment. To minimize the risk of escalation as much as possible, a joint approach by police and other parties is essential. The evaluation is a reason to continue to actively organize case management within each basic team.
Following the evaluation, the national portfolio of Chief of Police Tasks (KCT) is taking measures. A national working instruction will require KCT staff to always request a medical certificate from a permit holder as soon as signals arise regarding the health status of the permit holder.
Additionally, police systems will be adjusted to warn KCT staff earlier about incidents involving permit holders.
For Sitalsing, the evaluation makes it clear that police work is human work. ‘We process a large number of reports daily. Often, complex issues lie behind them, for which there is no simple solution. In that multitude and complexity, police officers must continuously make assessments and choices,’ says Sitalsing. ‘This requires continuous awareness and sharpness. Do we act decisively at the right moments, and who do we need for that? I cannot emphasize enough the importance of collaboration. Internally, across the boundaries of our own team, but also with chain partners. Together we face the challenge of connecting the loose pieces of the puzzle.’
Too Late
Police chief Sitalsing realizes that improvements come too late for the deceased victims and their loved ones. ‘What we learn and improve as a result of this evaluation does not bring back the loved ones of the bereaved. That loss is irreparable.’