Investigations concluded by officer other than lead investigator – deputy ombudsman takes position
Preliminary investigations in the Ostrobothnia and Helsinki police departments had been concluded by an official who lacked authority to do so. The deputy ombudsman found the procedure to be incorrect.
Investigations concluded by officer other than lead investigator – deputy ombudsman takes position
Deficiencies were identified in the preparation of preliminary investigation decisions in the Ostrobothnia and Helsinki police units. In both cases, the decision to close the investigation had been signed by a person who had not been formally appointed to lead the investigation.
The cases in question involved intimate partner violence, which had been closed because the complainant had not demanded punishment. However, the deputy ombudsman pointed out that this category of crime is not a private prosecution offence, so the mere absence of the victim's demand is not sufficient to close a preliminary investigation.
Additionally, the ombudsman stressed that although an investigator may prepare a decision, final approval must be given by the named lead investigator. The system should not allow decisions to be made using another official's credentials.
The parliamentary ombudsman had already warned of a similar problem in the police information system in 2023. According to him, this practice can lead to the responsible supervisor not even reviewing the matter, even though the decision is made in his name.
Both police departments have corrected the erroneous decisions retroactively. The Police Board has proposed a change to the information system so that in future only the correct lead investigator can approve the closure of a preliminary investigation.
Source: Yle
Source: Yle Uutiset