Investigation uncovers misconduct and toxic culture among Deventer enforcement officers
A confidential external investigation has revealed that multiple enforcement officers in Deventer engaged in repeated misconduct toward both colleagues and civilians, including degrading treatment of homeless people, inappropriate use of force, and reckless behavior on duty.
The findings, reported by De Stentor, are based on a report commissioned by the municipality after several complaints were filed against members of the city’s enforcement team. The investigation, carried out by the private security and integrity firm Hoffman, examined behavior within the 33-person unit.
The report documents a toxic workplace culture marked by inappropriate sexual relationships, gossip, and recurring disrespectful conduct toward civilians. While the report does not specify when the incidents occurred, it details a series of serious violations.
In one case, officers shared Snapchat footage of a team member urinating on a small fire. Other video evidence showed a colleague placed into the trunk of a service vehicle and driven around.
According to the report, municipal enforcement officers made “sexist and disrespectful” comments both to each other and to members of the public. These comments escalated into harassment and bullying that, in some cases, extended into their street-level interactions. Homeless individuals were reportedly treated in a denigrating and humiliating manner by the officers. The report also describes instances of officers handcuffing colleagues “as a joke” to coat racks and tables inside the office.
Investigators found that enforcement officers regularly used official vehicles inappropriately—driving through red lights, against the direction of traffic, or using sirens and lights without justification. Bodycams, meant to ensure transparency and accountability, were deliberately destroyed—some thrown away and even run over by vehicles.
Some officers expressed remorse over the incidents, including the handcuffing pranks and the urination incident. However, despite the serious nature of the findings, no enforcement officers have been suspended or formally punished to date.
Deventer Mayor Ron König announced that the report will serve as the starting point for a sweeping internal reform process aimed at restoring integrity within the department. “A change process is now underway,” König said. “To ensure the atmosphere improves and that operations are conducted in line with the Deventer code of conduct for civil servants.”
