Amsterdam police fire four officers for transgressive and discriminatory messages

The Amsterdam police have confirmed their decision to fire four police officers who were sharing transgressive and discriminating comments with each other in a Whatsapp group. The police announced in May that they intended to fire the four officers, but an advisory commission first had to see whether this was justified.

The punishments for seven other officers in the group chats have also been confirmed. Six have been given conditional discharge plus a "learning program regarding behavior and integrity," and one has been given a reprimand.

Officers made inappropriate, insulting, and “sometimes very discriminating” comments in the WhatsApp groups, police said.

“I cannot emphasize enough how strongly we condemn these comments,” said Amsterdam Chief of Police Peter Holla. “It hurts the people about who it is said and is especially damaging to the trust that society has in the police as a whole. The severe punishments show that we will not accept this behavior.”

The Advisory Committee on Fundamental Rights and Functional Performance of Police Officers (AGFA Politie) had to look at the case before the firings were confirmed. This is mandatory if the police want to punish employees "due to possible exercise of freedom of expression, association, assembly or demonstration," the police said.

Conversations have been held within the Amsterdam police with staff members about conduct on online platforms as a result of the investigation. Discussions included the limits on the use of WhatsApp during work and private time and which expressions are or are not permitted.

“We want and need to be a police for everyone. This takes continuous attention, the courage to look at ourselves critically, to have standards on bad behavior, and especially to have the will continue to learn and improve together,” Holla added.