Crime report filed over police handling of Viertola school shooting investigation in Finland

A crime report has been filed regarding the police’s handling of the investigation materials related to the shooting at Viertola school, categorized under the preliminary charge of breach of official duty. The lead investigator and a prosecutor have indicated that the charge is currently in the early stages and no further assessment has been made regarding the individuals involved.

The prosecutor stated that it’s up to them to determine whether there is sufficient reason to suspect a crime. If so, a preliminary investigation will be initiated; if not, the process will not move forward. This leads to the prosecutor overseeing the investigation since the report pertains to police actions.

Earlier in October, it was disclosed that poorly redacted investigation materials included the names of the shooter and the victims. The shooter, a 12-year-old, had created a list that contained the names of 15 fellow students, referred to as a “hit list.” Parts of the investigation materials have been publicly accessible to anyone who requested them from the police, and media outlets have also acquired the inadequately redacted documents.

The assistant chief of police in Eastern Uusimaa commented on the situation, noting that the inadequate redaction had been identified promptly and corrected without delay. The matter has generated public interest due to its societal implications.