Reporting Obligation in Criminal Law for Rijswijk
As a resident of Rijswijk, you have a legal reporting obligation for serious criminal offenses. You must report these immediately to the police or the assistant public prosecutor at the Rijswijk District Court. This applies to crimes punishable by more than a fine of the first category, to strengthen local safety and the rule of law.
What Does the Reporting Obligation Mean for Rijswijk Residents?
The obligation arises from the citizen's role in law enforcement. Not for minor infractions, but for serious offenses such as burglaries in Rijswijk neighborhoods, violent incidents, or thefts. As soon as you have reliable knowledge – as a witness, victim, or from a trusted source – you must act without delay, ideally within 24 hours. Contact Rijswijk Police or the Rijswijk Legal Aid Office for advice.
This article builds on our guide to filing a report in Rijswijk. Here, we delve deeper into the obligation: when, for whom, and why.
Legal Basis
The foundation is Article 162 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (Sv): "Those who have knowledge of crimes punishable by more than a fine of the first category are obliged to report them without delay to the assistant public prosecutor, the public prosecutor, or the examining magistrate at the Rijswijk District Court."
A first-category fine is a maximum of €495 (2023). Local infractions like public urination in a Rijswijk park fall outside; burglaries (art. 311 Criminal Code) do not. Additional obligations apply to employees of the Municipality of Rijswijk (art. 162(2) Sv) or bank staff in money laundering cases (Wwft).
See also art. 284 Criminal Code for penalties for failure to report.
Who in Rijswijk Must Report and When?
All residents with concrete knowledge of a serious crime, regardless of ties to the perpetrator (except family). Examples:
- Witnesses: You see a robbery in downtown Rijswijk.
- Victims: Thieves empty your home in Delfshaven.
- Third parties: A friend reports fraud at a local business.
Rumors do not count; knowledge must be solid.
Exceptions
Exceptions for Rijswijk:
- Professional secrecy: Doctors, lawyers, or journalists in Rijswijk (art. 272 Criminal Code), except in extreme cases like child murder.
- Family: No obligation regarding spouse or children (art. 162(3) Sv).
- No imminent danger: Perpetrator already arrested by Rijswijk police.
Examples from Rijswijk Practice
Example 1: Purse Snatching
You witness a mugging on Hoefbladlaan. Call 112 immediately and file a report with Rijswijk Police – obligation fulfilled.
Example 2: Workplace Fraud
As an employee at a Rijswijk office, you discover accounting fraud. Report without delay, or risk fines.
Example 3: Exception
A Rijswijk lawyer learns of a murder from a client. Duty of confidentiality prevents reporting, unless danger threatens.
Comparison table:
| Situation | Obligation? | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Public urination in Rijswijk Park | No | Fine 1st cat. |
| Violent burglary in Rijswijk | Yes | Art. 162 Sv |
| Doctor hears child abuse | No | Confidentiality |
| Bank spots money laundering in Rijswijk | Yes | Wwft report |
Rights and Obligations
Obligations:
- Report promptly to Rijswijk Police or online.
- Provide full details.
- No false reports (art. 188 Criminal Code).
Rights:
- Anonymously via Report Crime Anonymously (0800-7000).
- No punishment for proper reporting.
- Assistance via Rijswijk Legal Aid Office (art. 51a Sv).
Failure to report: Up to 3 months imprisonment or €9,000 fine (art. 284 Criminal Code), rarely imposed without gross negligence.
Frequently Asked Questions for Rijswijk
Report against family member?
No for close family (art. 162(3) Sv). Otherwise obligatory.
Reported too late?
Without delay means ASAP. Rijswijk Police assesses; always report quickly.
Stricter obligation as Municipality of Rijswijk employee?
Yes, report immediately (art. 162(2) Sv), or face dismissal and penalties.
Anonymous in Rijswijk?
Yes, via 0800-7000 or app, but full reports often require ID at Rijswijk District Court.