The Požega-Slavonia Police Department in Eastern Croatia is currently addressing allegations of professional misconduct involving multiple officers. According to a report by the Croatian outlet Telegram, authorities are investigating claims that police officers engaged in sexual encounters while on duty and inside official patrol vehicles. While the department officially denied conducting a broad investigation into the initial allegations, they confirmed that a targeted internal inquiry is underway regarding the conduct of one specific officer.
Origins of the Investigation and Evidence
The incident surfaced following a domestic violence call in a village within the Požega-Slavonia County. According to Telegram, the victim requested that a neighbor call the emergency number 112 after her husband seized her mobile phone. When a police patrol arrived at the scene, the husband reportedly warned officers that the device contained incriminating evidence. Upon reviewing the phone’s contents, the responding officers allegedly discovered explicit photographs involving their own colleagues.
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Institutional Response and Official Statements
Following reports of the images circulating within the county, Telegram submitted a formal inquiry to the Požega-Slavonia Police Department on July 13. The media outlet requested confirmation regarding the alleged sexual misconduct of three active-duty officers, specifically asking if these acts occurred during work hours and in department-issued vehicles. The inquiry included specific surnames and the workplace of the woman involved.
The police department’s initial response requested patience, citing the recent death of an officer in a traffic accident as a factor in the delay. By Wednesday, the department issued a brief statement: “We inform you that the Požega-Slavonia Police Department is not conducting an investigation in relation to the allegations referred to in your inquiry. At the same time, checks are being carried out regarding allegations of possible misconduct by one police officer.”
The Impact of Misconduct Allegations on Police Accountability
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are the names of the officers public?
- While Telegram reported that they possess the names of the three officers, the police department has not officially released their identities to the public.
- Is there an ongoing criminal investigation?
- The police department stated they are not investigating the specific allegations involving three officers, though they are conducting a check on one officer for potential misconduct.
- How did the police discover the photos?
- According to the reporting, the photos were discovered on a mobile phone during a domestic violence intervention in the local area.
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