Police cleared for stun-device use on minor in Uusikaarlepyy

Yle reports that police had lawful grounds to use a conducted-energy weapon on a 16-year-old suspected of a crime during an official assignment in central Uusikaarlepyy.

The Ostrobothnia Police Department’s legal unit separately assessed the use of the device after reviewing material gathered during the preliminary investigation. It found no uncertainty about the legality of the police action.

As a result, there was no reason to file a criminal report with the National Police Board’s unit responsible for investigating police offences, the department said.

“The legal unit also consulted the state prosecutor responsible for police offence cases at the Office of the Prosecutor General,” said chief criminal inspector Teemu Heikkinen.

The legality assessment has now been completed and will not lead to further action. The preliminary investigation into the assault will continue and will be referred to a prosecutor for consideration of charges once completed.

Both the suspect and the victim are under 18. The victim was not injured in the incident. Police have questioned both parties and witnesses.

The preliminary investigation is expected to be completed during the autumn, said investigator in charge Tiina Sillanpää, a detective chief inspector.