Police officer on Usedom: 52 cases of obstruction of justice in office charged!

Police officer on Usedom: 52 cases of obstruction of justice in office charged!

A sensational case is currently preoccupying the courts and the public: A 54-year-old police officer from the Baltic Sea island of Usedom is standing before the Greifswald district court for alleged obstruction of punishment while in office. He will be in 52 cases accused of not carrying out the investigation or carrying it out inadequately.

The focus of the investigation is the allegation that in several cases the officer completed processes in the police's electronic process assistant, known as "Eva", but did not forward them to the public prosecutor's office. This negligence resulted in prosecution in cases such as theft, assault and fraud becoming impossible. The case got rolling when a weapon was not submitted for examination and a colleague of the officer discovered several files and the weapon that had not been submitted. The situation escalated when superiors were informed and a check of his office was carried out, during which further evidence was found.

Workload or dereliction of duty?

The defendant appealed against a penalty order and stated that he was overburdened. According to his own statement, he had to look after around 80 to 150 cases at the same time and also took care of additional tasks, including leading an investigation team and a deputy position. Despite repeated requests for staff support, he received none. He was transferred after the grievances in his office became known, but he was not suspended, which further fueled the discussion about his ability to work, since, according to the Lower Franconia police headquarters, he is still on duty without having experienced any sanctions.

The final day of the trial is scheduled for January 29th. Until then, the presumption of innocence applies. If serious misconduct is found, the charges could even lead to a person leaving government service.

Context for obstruction of punishment

The issue of thwarting punishment in office is not new. According to a statement on the website of Kuju's criminal defense Obstruction of punishment in office occurs when a public official prevents the punishment or execution of a crime in whole or in part. It is sufficient if an official does not report crimes or fails to investigate. This behavior is punishable in Germany and can be punished with prison sentences of six months to five years.

Similar incidents like this have occurred in the past, for example in the case of another police officer in Alzenau who was investigating but did not do everything that was necessary about an attack on his girlfriend by a mentally ill migrant. Sadly, this led to a particularly serious crime when this migrant perpetrator later killed two people with a knife. The officer was convicted for his indolence and indifference and is now receiving a suspended sentence. The case was also reported in a report by In Franconia illuminated, with the suspect being placed in a forensic psychiatric hospital.

The incidents clearly demonstrate the challenges and risks that come with the responsibilities of police officers. It remains to be seen how the judges will decide in the Usedom police officer's case and what impact this ruling will have on police work and citizens' trust in law enforcement. The tension will increase until January 29th.