a police officer from 17 acquitted on appeal after insulting a woman who was threatened and then hit by her ex-spouse

A 48-year-old police officer was acquitted on Wednesday February 28 by the Versailles Court of Appeal after insulting a woman who had called on the 17th to report threats from her ex-spouse, the complainant’s lawyer told franceinfo. She had been beaten up by this same ex-partner the day after her call. In police custody, the official admitted not having taken the call seriously. He was sentenced at first instance to eight months in prison with suspended probation, accompanied by a ban on working as a police officer for 18 months and an obligation to compensate the victim.

On July 31, 2022, Ophélie calls the 17th to report that her ex-partner is in front of her home in Osny, in Val-d’Oise, and threatens to kill her. But the police officer who answers doesn’t take the call seriously and makes fun of her. Then the victim addresses the man who threatens her: “Don’t break your balls Issa.” The official, still on the phone, then replies: “You speak badly, you shit. You surprise me that he threatens you”and hangs up.

Then Ophélie called back on the 17th an hour and a half later to complain about the exchange, but found the same professional. He then replied “Oh, did he insult you? […] ‘Get over it, you big shit’, that would surprise me.”

“I let loose verbally on her”

The day after these calls, Ophélie was severely beaten by her ex-partner when leaving her home. The police officer later admits to the IGPN “having spoken badly to the lady”demonstrates “rudeness” and not having responded “correctly”, still according to the hearing minutes. “I had a moment of confusion and I let loose on her verbally.”admitted the police officer.