After a police officer shot a man in Ettelbruck last August while on duty, the National Syndicate of the Luxembourg Police (SNPGL) had criticised the fact that after such an incident, police officers do not automatically receive legal support. On Wednesday, Philippe Schrantz stated that perhaps a lawyer could be provided ‘ex officio’ and if it turned out that the police officer had committed a fault, the state could lodge an appeal to recover the money. At present, the opposite is the case. Schrantz also partly rejected the criticism that the Police Directorate had not contacted the police officer after the incident, stating that the “regional directorate” had done so. The reason for this, according to Schrantz, is that the regional directorate is “much closer” to the individual in question and could thus provide better support.
Another question that was discussed was whether it would not be up to the state to bear the costs in cases where a police officer has to pay damages, as otherwise police officers might prefer to turn a blind eye in critical situations. Regarding this issue, Schrantz replied that as a member of the police, “you know that you can find yourself in such situations”, and that it is the job of the Police Directorate to prepare their officers for these types of situations. Schrantz also pointed out that the General Police Inspectorate acts as a “neutral” body that monitors police activity, thus strengthening the “credibility” of the police.
Hundreds of police officers have appealed to the administrative court because they were unable to join the ‘B’ career despite having a diploma of secondary education, contrary to other officers who did not have such a diploma but had already been in service for 15 years or more in 2018. The head of the police finds this situation “regrettable” and stated that he can understand all the dissatisfied officers. However, Schrantz also explained that the police need civilians and specialists and that it is a pity that everyone is always comparing themselves with everyone else, despite the fact that they all have “a good job and a decent salary”.
As far as crime is concerned, Schrantz stated that residents are able to “live well” in Luxembourg, but also acknowledged that the general trend at the moment is “bad”. The police and the population are concerned about various phenomena such as brutal assaults in which chains or watches are stolen, the head of the police explained. Schrantz therefore welcomes anything and everything that might help the police, including body cameras and, of course, staff reinforcements.
