The Eastern Police District in Norway has confirmed receiving a new formal complaint about workplace conditions within one of its units. This marks the fourth ongoing whistleblower case currently under investigation in the district.
Deputy Police Chief Lena Fosaas Reif stated that all employees at the affected unit have been notified about the complaint. The notification occurred just months after a previous complaint from the same unit was filed earlier this year.
Two of the four active cases are being handled by the Police Independent Whistleblower Ombudsman. The other two cases, including the most recent complaint, are being managed by Kluge Law Firm through a framework agreement with the police.
When employers receive complaints about concerning conditions, they have a legal duty to investigate and ensure affected employees have a proper work environment, the deputy police chief explained. She expressed confidence the law firm would handle the matter thoroughly.
Whistleblower cases prove demanding for everyone involved, officials noted. The police district says it takes all complaints seriously and continuously works to ensure good working conditions.
Due to confidentiality obligations, the deputy police chief declined to provide specific details about the complaint or ongoing follow-up actions.
The local police union leader Per Otto Kolsvik said their primary focus remains supporting members properly regardless of their role in whistleblower cases. Assistance is always evaluated individually based on each specific situation and phase of the process.
Union officials emphasized the importance of thorough, fair handling of whistleblower cases according to existing regulations. Both whistleblowers and those reported need to feel secure and receive necessary support throughout the entire process, Kolsvik stated.
Regarding the work environment in reported units, the union leader said they work to contribute to a safe, inclusive, and trust-based environment across the entire police district. They maintain close dialogue with employers where improvements are needed.
Experience shows whistleblower cases can be challenging for all parties involved. Therefore, the union places great emphasis on providing correct assistance and support to members regardless of their role in such matters.
The accumulation of four simultaneous whistleblower investigations suggests systemic workplace issues that require more than individual case management. Police leadership will need to address underlying cultural problems to restore employee trust and prevent future complaints.