Police officer investigated for excessive force at wedding inspection
The Dutch Public Prosecution Service (OM) has launched a criminal investigation into a police officer who used a baton during a municipal inspection of a wedding anniversary celebration in Ruinerwold. The incident, which took place in August 2024, left multiple people injured, including a woman with a broken arm.
The OM stated that the officer’s use of force appeared disproportionate and “likely violated the police force regulations on the use of violence.”
The incident occurred at De Perenhoeve, where Nico and Ginette Westenbrink were celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary with about 30 guests. Two municipal enforcers (boa's) and two police officers arrived to conduct an inspection. Tensions escalated when the family insisted that only one inspector be allowed onto the property.
A verbal altercation quickly turned into a physical confrontation. According to the family, the officer struck their daughter with a baton, breaking her arm. Nico Westenbrink was also arrested and spent the night in police custody.
The police later apologized for their actions, admitting the situation could have been handled differently. In recent months, the OM reviewed witness testimonies and video footage of the incident. Based on the preliminary findings, the officer in question is now considered a suspect.
“The investigation has shifted from a factual inquiry to a criminal investigation,” the OM said in a statement. It remains unclear whether the officer will face prosecution. The decision will be made after the investigation concludes.
The actions of a second police officer present at the scene were also examined. However, the OM found their behavior to be lawful, a decision the Westenbrink family disputes.
The Westenbrink family welcomed the news of the criminal investigation. “It’s so obvious—it’s all on video,” said Nico Westenbrink. He added that his daughter continues to suffer from the injuries she sustained.
“She still has significant issues. The bone hasn’t fully healed yet and will need to be re-broken during surgery,” Westenbrink said. “It’s a complex and severe fracture. My daughter cannot return to her profession because of this.”
Westenbrink expressed disappointment that the second officer involved would not face further scrutiny. “That officer also landed an improper blow,” he said.
The family recently received a call from the OM informing them of the investigation’s progression. While the timeline for its completion is unclear, Westenbrink said he hopes the officer will ultimately be prosecuted.
“This feels like a small step toward acknowledgment, but we want full recognition, including compensation for damages,” he said.
