The Korps Penitentiaire Ambtenaren (KPA, Prison Officers Corps) is awaiting the results of the police investigation into an incident in which a prison officer allegedly held a teenager at gunpoint on Wednesday evening. According to witnesses, the officer also fired a shot into the air.
“We are awaiting the investigation,” says Wendell Pinas, chief spokesperson and spokesperson for the KPA. According to him, the investigation must clarify exactly what occurred on Wednesday evening.
No measures have yet been taken against the prison officer involved. According to Pinas, he is working as usual. If the investigation shows that the officer acted improperly, steps will be taken against him.
The chief spokesperson did not wish to comment on the matter. Nor did he address citizens’ reactions on social media. “We are awaiting the investigation and will act within the legal framework,” Pinas said.
Youths allegedly gaming in front of home
According to a witness, several unarmed teenagers were gaming in front of a home when prison officer T.W. stopped his vehicle. He allegedly addressed the youths because he believed they were disturbing public order.
The officer allegedly said that the youths were not allowed to be on the road because they did not have a vehicle with them. The teenagers responded that they did not want to be harassed by him.
According to the witness, the officer then drove away, but returned a few minutes later with his service weapon. Without identifying himself, he allegedly threatened and insulted the youths. He also allegedly fired a shot into the air.
Weapon aimed at teenager
The officer then allegedly aimed his weapon at a boy who had earlier asked him to drive away. According to the witness, he ordered the teenager to lie down on the road surface. The boy did not comply and stood along the drainage ditch of the plot opposite his home.
A cousin of the boy reportedly tried to speak with the officer and bring the situation under control. According to the witness, the officer was not receptive to this and continued swearing. He allegedly said that he was allowed to do whatever he wanted and shoot whoever he wanted.
Police eventually arrived at the scene and ordered the prison officer to put down his service weapon.
Critical reactions on social media
The incident has been met with mostly outraged reactions on social media. Several commenters believe that an armed officer should instead act to de-escalate and may use his service weapon only in the event of immediate danger. The alleged aiming of a firearm at an unarmed teenager is described as unacceptable and irresponsible.
There are also calls for the officer involved to be disarmed and suspended from duty during the police investigation. Questions are also being raised about the selection, training and discipline within armed services. Some commenters advocate stricter measures if the investigation shows that the officer acted improperly.
The reactions reflect the views of individual social media users. The precise circumstances of the incident are still being investigated by police.
