Police chief warns: attacks on officers are increasing, judge allegedly bit official
Egert Belitšev, director general of the Police and Border Guard Board (PPA), acknowledges that attacks directed against police officers have become more frequent in recent weeks. A notable case involved Harju County Court judge Reena Lember, who allegedly bit a police official at a nightclub in late
Police chief warns: attacks on officers are increasing, judge allegedly bit official
Egert Belitšev, director general of the Police and Border Guard Board (PPA), acknowledges that attacks directed against police officers have become more frequent in recent weeks. A notable case involved Harju County Court judge Reena Lember, who allegedly bit a police official at a nightclub in late April.
Belitšev told Postimees in an interview that whilst he cannot prove this statistically, it appears that attacks against law enforcement are on the rise. "Biting is a major concern for us. There are always reports that police officers have been injured," he said.
"Teeth show up often. I have small children at home and I feel that society should explain again, as I have told my own children at home, that biting is not allowed," the director general continued.
The incident Belitšev referred to took place on 25 April at Münt, a nightclub in Tallinn's old town. Police were called to the scene by the club's security service. Officials decided to take Judge Lember home, but when she was being guided into the police vehicle, she began to resist, insulted the officials and bit a patrol officer.
The story received widespread coverage in May when a video was released showing an altercation between Lember and two officials. One police officer can be heard asking: "Why are you biting me?"
Lember commented to Õhtuleht that she had a conflict with police. "Although I have not been charged with any crime, I cannot comment on the specific circumstances as the investigation is ongoing," she said.
A prosecutor's office spokeswoman confirmed that an investigation had been launched into the use of force against an official carrying out official duties.
Belitšev noted: "Since media coverage of the judge [Reena Lember] biting a police officer, similar incidents have occurred every week. I would like to hope that as adults we can solve problems without biting."
Source: ERR News (https://news.err.ee/1610049535/biting-is-not-allowed-estonia-s-police-chief-warns-after-attacks-on-officers)
Source: ERR News