The Public Prosecution Service (PPS) demands no punishment against a police dog handler. This handler ordered a police dog to bite the leg of a 38-year-old Polish man, who sustained permanent bite injuries. Based on witness statements and camera footage, the PPS judges that the deployment of the police dog was justified: the police officer acted out of self-defense.
Background
On December 5, 2021, several residents in Hilversum reported three drunk men causing disturbances outside and throwing objects at a car. Police officers and a dog handler arrived at the scene. When the men did not comply with police instructions, a tense situation arose. The police used batons and pepper spray, but this had no clear effect on the men. The situation escalated completely when the 38-year-old Polish man approached the dog handler in a threatening manner. The suspect dog handler then gave his dog the command to bite.
Investigation
The police initiated, as usual, an investigation into the conduct of the dog handler. The investigation showed that witness and involved parties statements differed in parts, but it was established that the situation was chaotic and the men behaved aggressively. The investigation also examined whether there was an alternative to deploying the police dog. The use of batons and pepper spray had no effect. According to the investigation, deploying the police dog at that moment was the correct next step, given the ongoing threat and the lack of effect of earlier measures.
PPS Conclusion
Because the dog caused serious bite injuries, the Public Prosecution Service believed an independent judge should review the case. Based on the file, the PPS determined that there was a very threatening and dangerous situation, where the suspect dog handler feared an attack. Thus, the police officer acted out of self-defense. The PPS concludes that the applied force was proportional and lawful and therefore requests dismissal of all prosecution.
