The police often drop bullying cases

The police drop many bullying cases, but a decision to drop a case can be appealed to Statsadvokaten (the Public Prosecutor) — and appeals have succeeded before. Do not let a first no be the last word.

The encounter with the police often depends on the individual. Some meet officers who take the bullying seriously and help the family; others are turned away and advised not to file a report.

The family can report violations to the police, even if the police advise against making a report.

In the event of a henleggelse (the case being dropped), the family can appeal that decision to Statsadvokaten. The appeal is sent via the police district, and the deadline for the appeal must be stated in the letter from the police. It is normally 3 weeks. If Statsadvokaten drops the case, you can appeal to Riksadvokaten (the Director of Public Prosecutions).

One head teacher received a påtaleunnlatelse (a waiver of prosecution) in a bullying case, see “Rektor kjent skyldig for ikke å ha grepet inn mot mobbingen av Stian”. The family’s report was dropped by the police. The family appealed the decision to drop the case, which led to an investigation and a waiver of prosecution.

Read: What can the police do?

From the original FOMIS parents' guide (2018). The content is reviewed and updated.