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Police may use psychics in exceptional circumstances, says minister

Saturday 22 December 2012

Justice minister Ivo Opstelten wil not ban police from using psychics to try to solve crimes, the minister said in an answer to MPs' questions.

ChristenUnie MP Gert-Jan Segers had asked the minister about the use of mediums following a newspaper report which said there is confusion about when they may be used and that they may complicate police procedures.

Opstelten said in his briefing the police may use special investigation techniques in exceptional cases and when the public prosecution department has given its approval.

Serious

Some crimes are so serious in their effect on the victim and family that all methods of crime solving should be considered, Opstelten said. However, conventional methods must be exhausted before alternatives can be used.

The minister did not say how often police call in psychics to help solve crimes. The rules governing the use of mediums, hypnosis, lie detectors and drugs is covered in a special section of the police instruction manual.