Data misuse scandal: The reason why prosecutors are requesting jail time for a police officer

A senior officer with the Eastern Finland Police Department has been charged with 140 offenses. The man, based in Kuopio, is under investigation for data protection violations and breach of official duties.

He has been suspended from his post since Jan. 12 and will remain so until the legal proceedings are concluded.

The case involves close to 100 alleged victims. According to prosecutors, the officer accessed the personal data of 97 individuals using the Mobiilipoke application during his free time. The app is a mobile version of the police field command system and has been in operation since 2017.

The defendant acknowledged that he carried out searches and processed personal data while off duty. In his defense, he argued that police officers remain officers even in their spare time and must intervene in suspicious situations.

According to the charges, the officer consulted personal information and vehicle registration data. Although he denies committing any crimes, he admitted during the preliminary investigation that he carried out the searches in question.

Prosecutors seek prison sentence as court weighs scope of official duties

The case is being heard by the North Savo District Court. The prosecutor has requested a custodial sentence. Representatives of the police department have warned that such actions could undermine public trust in the institution.

A key issue for the court will be whether these database searches can be considered part of official duties, even though they were conducted during the officer’s personal time.

During the trial, the defendant claimed that using the application while off duty is common practice. A senior officer also testified that the accused was diligent and that the searches were carried out with the intention of “capturing criminals.”

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