The Public Prosecution Service (OM) has decided to start a criminal investigation into the police officer who acted on August 23, 2024, in Ruinerwold. This decision followed an evaluation of the fact-finding investigation by the polices Safety, Integrity, and Complaints department.
On that day, the police were present at a municipal check in Ruinerwold. The police officer used his baton, resulting in injuries to several individuals. The police acknowledged that the situation could have been resolved differently and had previously issued apologies.
From fact-finding investigation to criminal investigation
In this investigation, witnesses have been heard and video footage analyzed. The public prosecutor preliminarily concludes that the use of the baton was disproportionate and possibly in violation of the force instruction for police officers. Therefore, the investigation has shifted from a fact-finding investigation to a criminal investigation, and the police officer is now considered a suspect. The OM will decide on further steps in the case after the investigation.
There was also an examination of the actions of a second police officer present, whose conduct is deemed lawful.