Frightened by a Ghost-Driving Police Car

There Karel (not his real name) explains what he experienced. He wants apologies and that the involved officers are spoken to about their driving behavior. But the police indicate that they cannot trace the car within their own unit. It is difficult because the car may belong to another unit. Also, no license plate is known to investigate. Karel is not satisfied with this. The place and time are known, so the car should be traceable. The police think it might have been a vehicle from the national unit. But they are not sure, and they cannot search the national system themselves.

What was investigated?

Karel believes the police should try harder and does not let it rest. He knows you can turn to the National Ombudsman if you feel your complaint is not taken seriously. He presents his situation to our colleague Ina (not her real name). She contacts the police and asks if nothing more is possible. She wants clarity on what has and has not been investigated.

Conversation with drivers

This has an effect. The police call Karel. They apologize and acknowledge they said too quickly that further investigation was not possible. They searched further within the national and regional systems and did trace the involved police car. Although the police may deviate from traffic rules in emergencies, they must never endanger other road users. Therefore, there was also a conversation with the drivers about their driving behavior, and Karels complaint is used to improve police training and services.

Important that police take responsibility

I am glad the police took action after all. Karel mainly wanted his complaint to be taken seriously. It is important that the police take responsibility when something goes wrong and clearly explain what they do to prevent recurrence. By listening well, trust can be restored.

This column appeared in De Telegraaf on December 20, 2025. The person in the photo is not the person from the text.