Disciplinary action taken against Almere officers after misconduct investigation

Five of the nine police officers investigated in Almere have been found to have violated the rules, according to the police department’s Safety, Integrity, and Complaints (VIK) division. Disciplinary measures will be taken against them. Multiple serious reports had been filed about the officers. The investigation found that they engaged in "inappropriate and transgressive behavior" directed at either colleagues or members of the public.

The penalties range from a formal reprimand to conditional dismissal, according to the Midden-Nederland police force, which oversees Almere. Three of the officers have been transferred to a different team. In December, the police decided to launch a disciplinary investigation and stated at the time that discriminatory or sexist remarks may have been made in the presence of colleagues.

The other four officers investigated were found not to have violated any rules. However, the VIK division noted that the social safety within the entire team needed improvement. Police Chief Yvonne Hondema of the Midden-Nederland Unit stated that the process has contributed to creating a safer team. "This is important because a socially safe work environment is the foundation on which good police work rests."

The police also emphasize that officers are meant to serve as role models “both in uniform and outside of it.” That is why a professional code of conduct is in place. This code includes, among other things, Article 1 of the Dutch Constitution, which states that people in the Netherlands shall treat one another as equals.