Investigation into the use of police systems
Investigation into the use of police systems
Published on:
March 3, 2026
Place name:
The Netherlands
Nearly 1,700 police officers will receive a letter in the coming period because they used police systems when there was likely no necessity to do so. The colleagues in question looked up information regarding the violent death of 17-year-old Lisa from Abcoude. The letter is primarily intended to remind police officers of the importance of handling police information and the systems in which that information is processed with care.
Police logo
Following a tip, the National Internal Investigations Team (LTIO) of the police has spent the past few months investigating the use of police systems surrounding Lisa's death. She was killed in August of last year while cycling home after a night out in Amsterdam.
Functional
The investigation reveals that nearly 1,700 police officers from across the country searched police systems for information regarding the case, while – as far as is currently known – they were not involved. 'It is suspected that these colleagues had no functional purpose and therefore should not have accessed the systems,' says Deputy Chief of Police Wilbert Paulissen.
The systems consulted contain limited information about the investigation. They provide insight into, among other things, the communication from the control room, the initial findings of the police officers on the scene, and the initial investigative actions.
Conversation
The employees concerned will receive a letter from their unit chief or director. In the letter, they are invited to speak with their immediate supervisor. During this meeting, the colleagues can explain why they accessed the police systems. Paulissen: 'I assume that police officers act professionally and only use police systems when necessary for their work. And that they know which rules apply regarding access. This investigation raises questions regarding this. That is why we are entering into discussions with the employees concerned.'
Careful
'At the police force, we have a large amount of information at our disposal. We need this to do our job well. However, society must be able to trust that we handle information carefully and do not abuse our position. Having access to information does not automatically mean you are allowed to view it. I see that police officers – out of professional commitment – take an interest in incidents or investigations. But looking up information is strictly permitted only if it is necessary for the job.'
Measures
Following the LTIO investigation, the police force is scrutinizing information security. In addition to existing instruments, such as the authorization policy and e-learning, it is being examined whether additional measures are necessary.
Parents
Lisa's parents have been informed via their lawyer. The police force has also conveyed its apologies to them via the lawyer. Because this formally constitutes a data breach, the Dutch Data Protection Authority has been notified.
Published on:
March 3, 2026
Place name:
The Netherlands
Nearly 1,700 police officers will receive a letter in the coming period because they used police systems when there was likely no necessity to do so. The colleagues in question looked up information regarding the violent death of 17-year-old Lisa from Abcoude. The letter is primarily intended to remind police officers of the importance of handling police information and the systems in which that information is processed with care.
Police logo
Following a tip, the National Internal Investigations Team (LTIO) of the police has spent the past few months investigating the use of police systems surrounding Lisa's death. She was killed in August of last year while cycling home after a night out in Amsterdam.
Functional
The investigation reveals that nearly 1,700 police officers from across the country searched police systems for information regarding the case, while – as far as is currently known – they were not involved. 'It is suspected that these colleagues had no functional purpose and therefore should not have accessed the systems,' says Deputy Chief of Police Wilbert Paulissen.
The systems consulted contain limited information about the investigation. They provide insight into, among other things, the communication from the control room, the initial findings of the police officers on the scene, and the initial investigative actions.
Conversation
The employees concerned will receive a letter from their unit chief or director. In the letter, they are invited to speak with their immediate supervisor. During this meeting, the colleagues can explain why they accessed the police systems. Paulissen: 'I assume that police officers act professionally and only use police systems when necessary for their work. And that they know which rules apply regarding access. This investigation raises questions regarding this. That is why we are entering into discussions with the employees concerned.'
Careful
'At the police force, we have a large amount of information at our disposal. We need this to do our job well. However, society must be able to trust that we handle information carefully and do not abuse our position. Having access to information does not automatically mean you are allowed to view it. I see that police officers – out of professional commitment – take an interest in incidents or investigations. But looking up information is strictly permitted only if it is necessary for the job.'
Measures
Following the LTIO investigation, the police force is scrutinizing information security. In addition to existing instruments, such as the authorization policy and e-learning, it is being examined whether additional measures are necessary.
Parents
Lisa's parents have been informed via their lawyer. The police force has also conveyed its apologies to them via the lawyer. Because this formally constitutes a data breach, the Dutch Data Protection Authority has been notified.
