Basel-Stadt cantonal police commander Martin Roth has been released from his duties. This measure was taken on the basis of an external report that revealed numerous dysfunctions within the troops a week ago.
“My first decision was to separate from the commander, but it is not my last,” Basel Security Minister Stephanie Eymann told the media on Friday. Further measures will be taken.
No interim solution
Until the official dismissal of Martin Roth, the liberal state councilor’s department is renouncing his services. Her government colleagues support her in this approach, she said. In addition, the minister is giving up on an interim solution, because the confidence of police personnel in their senior officers has been undermined, according to the report published last Friday.
This report by administrative law professor Markus Schefer revealed great dissatisfaction among the police. Many agents spoke of a ‘culture of fear’, a lack of respect for their work, overload and a climate marked by racism and sexism.
A chance for worried police officers
The conclusions of the expert report represent an opportunity to no longer hide these dysfunctions under the carpet in the future, believes Stephanie Eymann. They must also allow the police to no longer let this happen. The police force is worried, following the report’s revelations: it is exposed to generalized suspicion of racism and sexism, observes the minister.
‘It is important that we adopt zero tolerance in this area. It is not acceptable for isolated people to ruin the reputation of the police,’ argued the State Councilor.
Culture change
Police Commander Martin Roth himself commissioned the report to find out why there was a shortage of available personnel. Professor Markus Schefer conducted confidential interviews with 372 people, or one third of the cantonal police force.
In his report, the latter issued around thirty recommendations and demanded a change of culture within the police. This work is only just beginning, declared Stephanie Eymann.
/ATS
