Joint investigation launched into crimes committed by people with psychological issues

Three inspectorates are going to launch a joint investigation into severe incidents involving people with psychological issues. They are also investigating the fatal stabbing in Nieuwegein, which led to the death of 11-year-old Sohani. The 29-year-old suspect who has been arrested for the death also had psychological issues.

The culprits and suspects of the incidents in question were often undergoing treatment in psychological care or were being supported by their municipality. Some of them had been in contact with the law in the past. The inspectorates are concerned about these incidents.

Investigations will be conducted by the Health and Youth Care Inspectorate, The Inspectorate of Justice and Security, and the Social Domain Supervision (TSD), which is a cooperation between inspection services.

The inspectorates will also look into how care organizations, municipalities, and police/judicial services cooperate “to offer the right care and support to people with psychological issues, and, if necessary, take criminal action."

The police said that they think it is “very good news” that these investigations will take place. If the inspectorates investigation identifies bottlenecks in dealing with people with psychological issues, this can help the police, people with psychological problems, and society, according to a police spokesperson.

He added that the police cannot map out whether incidents involving people with psychological issues happen regularly, but they are able to determine that it is a problem.

The police did not ask for this investigation, but they have been pleading for more intense cooperation with institutions like Veilig Thuis, which offers support to victims of domestic violence and child abuse. The spokesperson explained that various processes are now underway for this collaboration.