welt.de
German Criminologist Criticizes Police Internal Investigation After Fatal Oldenburg Shooting
Following a fatal police shooting in Oldenburg, Germany, criminologist Tobias Singelnstein criticized the internal investigation model, highlighting the potential for bias when neighboring police conduct investigations into colleagues. A 27-year-old officer faces manslaughter charges.
- What factors contributed to the escalation of the police intervention resulting in the fatal shooting?
- Singelnstein highlighted the inherent bias in having neighboring police conduct internal investigations, arguing that familiarity with the accused or situation impacts impartiality. He noted that most investigations into police misconduct are dropped, with only about 2 percent going to trial. The Oldenburg incident involved a 21-year-old who sprayed pepper spray before fleeing; when police tried to apprehend him, he allegedly sprayed them, leading to the fatal shooting.
- What systemic changes are needed to ensure more thorough, impartial investigations into police misconduct in Germany?
- The case underscores concerns about police accountability and the need for independent investigations into police shootings. The low prosecution rate of police misconduct cases suggests systemic issues requiring reform. The reliance on neighboring departments for investigations may perpetuate a culture of impunity and hinder thorough, unbiased inquiries into potential police brutality.
- What are the immediate consequences and implications of the criticized internal investigation model in the Oldenburg police shooting case?
- Following a fatal police shooting in Oldenburg, Germany, criminologist Tobias Singelnstein criticized the internal investigation by Lower Saxony police. He stated that investigations by neighboring police stations are the worst model in Germany and that some states use specialized units within the state criminal investigation office or independent ones. A 27-year-old officer was temporarily suspended and faces manslaughter charges, investigated by Oldenburg prosecutors, while the Delmenhorst police are handling the investigation.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The headline and introduction immediately establish a critical tone by highlighting the criminologist's criticism of the police investigation. This framing, while factually accurate, might predispose readers to view the police investigation negatively before presenting all the relevant details. The repeated emphasis on the criminologist's concerns shapes the narrative.
Language Bias
While largely factual, the use of phrases like "schlechteste Modell" (worst model) and "problematische Konstellation" (problematic constellation) carries a negative connotation, potentially influencing reader perception. More neutral phrasing like "less effective model" and "challenging situation" might be considered.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the criticism of the internal investigation by criminologist Tobias Singelnstein, but omits potential counterarguments or perspectives from law enforcement agencies defending their investigative process. The article also doesn't detail the specifics of the Reizgas used, or the extent of the injuries caused by the 21-year-old. While acknowledging the suspension and investigation, it doesn't include information on the police officer's perspective or potential mitigating circumstances. The article also doesn't specify the exact nature of the "bedrohlich" behavior.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat simplified view by focusing primarily on the shortcomings of the internal investigation model without exploring alternative systems or the complexities of investigating police misconduct. It implies that specialized units are inherently better without fully acknowledging their potential limitations or the possibility that the current system might function adequately in some cases.
Gender Bias
The article uses gender-neutral language. However, it could benefit from including more information on the gender of those involved beyond the mention of "Polizistinnen und Polizisten", to avoid generalizations about police behaviour.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights a case of police brutality resulting in a death, and criticizes the internal investigation process within the police force. This speaks to a lack of accountability and effective mechanisms for justice and fairness within law enforcement institutions, undermining SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) which promotes peaceful and inclusive societies, access to justice for all and building effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels. The criticism of the investigation process as biased and the low percentage of cases going to trial indicate systemic issues hindering justice.