Rotterdam police bosses resign over toxic work culture; Cop investigated for sex crimes

Two Rotterdam police force managers submitted notice of their intention to resign after an explosive report published by NRC earlier this week described a disturbing work environment based on numerous complaints from officers about discrimination, bullying, sexism, and excessive violence. It also emerged that a Rotterdam police officer working in a different department was also under investigation for sex crimes following a report filed by a colleague.

The problems within the Rotterdam police department's city center sub-district prompted the two team leaders working in that office to resign, AD reported on Friday afternoon. A spokesperson for the department told the newspaper that the two resigned because of "internal and external commotion," which is hindering "constructive improvement in the short term." They are the only two team leaders working at the department, and it is not clear when they will leave, nor what they will do next.

The report in NRC was based on an independent investigation of the city center police force. This investigation noted a “socially unsafe working environment” as the result of “poor mutual interaction” and “failing leadership.” Some 230 police officers work at the sub-district facility.

Further, police officers there are often not subject to disciplinary measures, with one anonymous cop telling NRC that the management there has opted for a "very lenient" approach when problems are raised. “The bullies are getting away with it, and the victims are sick at home,” the individual said.

One police officer of Surinamese descent has been on leave for nine months due to constant discriminatory behavior from their colleagues. Sexism is a frequent issue, particularly among older male police officers. Violence directed towards civilians enjoying the nightlife has also been a serious concern.

The Rotterdam police chief, Fred Westerbeke, responded by saying that he was shocked by the report. The Rotterdam police have had several earlier issues with racism, discrimination, and misogyny at other police units.

The police team leaders who resigned want the situation to get better quickly, but the report and the subsequent reaction has made short-term improvements impossible. "The unit management also believes that this is a good step and we regret that together we have not succeeded in offering the colleagues of the basic team a safe workplace, the police spokesperson told AD.

Meanwhile, an employee working at the Rotterdam police's operations and dispatch center has been suspended from work for allegedly committing a sex crime while he was not on duty. The victim identified in the allegation is also a police employee.

This has now resulted in a criminal investigation, which will be handled by the Public Prosecution Service's office in Zeeland-West Brabant, to maintain independence from the Rotterdam branch. They will be aided by sex crimes investigators from the police, and an internal affairs office.

The police control room where the suspect works is located at a different facility than the city center sub-district. Details about the suspect's identity were not released.