Helsinki traffic police director files complaint over musician’s post

Helsinki police traffic enforcement director Dennis Pasterstein has filed a request for an investigation into a social media post that described him and his work in vulgar terms, Yle reports.

Pasterstein wants authorities to determine whether the post’s author committed defamation. The post was written by musician Ilkka “Ile” Vainio and was publicly visible on his Facebook account on Wednesday before being removed in the afternoon.

In the post, Vainio referred to Pasterstein as “Pikku-D Dennis ‘valoshow penis’ Pasterstein” and “Pennis Paskarstein”. The post also implied that flashes from speed cameras gave Pasterstein sexual pleasure.

Pasterstein said he objected to the sexual nature of the text and wanted to highlight the matter so that nobody would think such comments could be made without consequences.

“No police officer or other public official has to, or should, accept this kind of thing,” he said.

Police officers must tolerate more public criticism than usual because of their position, Pasterstein said. He added that discussion, critical feedback and scrutiny of his duties were part of healthy civic debate.

“But in my view, personal and sexually suggestive comments do not belong in reasonable discussion,” he said.

New speed camera flashed about 550 times a day

Vainio’s post indicated that he had been driving on Koskelantie when a speed camera flashed, resulting in a 100-euro fine.

The speed camera on Koskelantie has been in place for about two weeks. During that time, it has flashed between 3,000 and 4,000 times, Pasterstein estimated.

He said the location was suitable for speed enforcement because a comprehensive school with 1,000 pupils is nearby.

The speed limit and the speed camera were decisions made by the City of Helsinki. Pasterstein said police had received both positive and critical feedback about the camera.

“I don’t know where speeds should be monitored if not next to a school,” he said.

The speed limit on Koskelantie is 30 kilometres per hour. Pasterstein said the signs were clearly marked.

He added that the attention generated by the dispute could increase visibility for traffic safety and the enforcement point, and expressed hope that speeding would decrease and road safety improve.

Helsingin Sanomat was the first to report on the matter.