Zeeland's highest-ranking police official suspended pending investigation

The head of the Zeeland police, Tim de Kraker, has been placed on non-active duty, a police spokesperson confirmed after reports by Omroep Zeeland. “An internal investigation is ongoing, and we will not respond to further questions,” the spokesperson said.

De Kraker has served as police chief in Zeeland for the past 18 months. He studied business economics and public administration and has been with the police force for two decades. As the sectorhoofd (district chief), De Kraker is the single highest-ranking police official directly embedded in the Zeeland district.

Before stepping into his current role on December 1, 2024, De Kraker spent three years working as the team chief for the Oosterscheldebekken basic unit. He was promoted to sector head to succeed Joost Manusama, who stepped down after being appointed as the mayor of Capelle aan den IJssel.

The suspension was authorized and confirmed through the broader Zeeland/West-Brabant regional police division. A police spokesperson declined to say how long he has been suspended or what the investigation concerns. “It is in everyone’s interest that this investigation is handled carefully,” the spokesperson said. “We will not speculate on the outcome.”

De Kraker told Omroep Zeeland that he faces the outcome of the investigation with “complete confidence.” He said it is “of great importance” that a “proper and objective investigation” is conducted. “I will fully cooperate with that investigation,” he said.

De Kraker is a native of the region. He grew up in Middelburg and currently resides in the coastal village of Zoutelande. Prior to taking on the responsibilities of regional police chief, De Kraker was actively involved in local governance. He served as a municipal council member (raadslid) in the municipality of Veere, a position he officially resigned from to avoid conflicts of interest with his promotion to sector head.