The Chief of Police in Iława has announced his retirement, citing a controversial proposal from his superior to transfer him to Giżycko, a location 200 km from his current workplace. In his resignation statement, he criticized the state of law enforcement in Poland and declared, “Law in Poland does not apply.”
A Dramatic Departure: Iława Police Chief’s Bold Statement
Inspector Waldemar Pankowski, the outgoing Chief of Police in Iława, made headlines today with his resignation. In a press conference, he disclosed significant irregularities within the Polish police force.
“I do not bid farewell to the banner because it lacks the words ‘God, Honor, Fatherland.’ I love my homeland, but law in Poland does not apply. As a man of honor, I cannot shake your hand. Please provide the grounds for my departure from service,” he stated, addressing Inspector Mirosław Elszkowski, the provincial police chief in Olsztyn.
Quoting George Orwell, Pankowski remarked: “In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act.”
He further questioned, “Can the Polish police afford to dismiss a 45-year-old officer overnight and pay him a 10,000 PLN monthly pension?”
Criticism of Management Practices
Pankowski directed a pointed question at the National Police Chief: “Do you allow your subordinates, the provincial police chiefs, to manage their personnel this way—wasting human resources and public funds? I heard your interview in which you said you would fight for every officer and not let anyone retire. How does this align with my case?”
The proposal to transfer Pankowski to Giżycko was central to his resignation. He commented, “It’s only 200 km, a 2.5-hour drive. Frankly, I’m closer to Warsaw or Gdańsk.”
He accused the provincial chief of failing to consider his personal circumstances, including his family obligations, before making what he called an “ad hoc decision.” “It was clearly an offer I couldn’t accept,” he added.
A Message to Fellow Officers
Addressing his colleagues, Pankowski urged them to speak up against injustices within the force. “You arrest dangerous criminals daily, yet we are afraid to stand up for ourselves. We will never reform the police if we fear expressing our opinions to higher-ups.”
He speculated that his reassignment might have been part of a broader directive. “Perhaps this is an order from the National Police Chief—to carry out purges by January 10, eliminating so-called black sheep. Personnel moves are happening across the country, with provincial chiefs offering inconvenient officers posts 200 km away.”
Pankowski concluded by encouraging officers not to believe claims of insufficient funds for raises. “If there is money to pay people like me severance, overdue leave, and pensions, then there are funds for salary increases,” he said.
In a final gesture, Pankowski shook hands with former provincial police chief Nadinsp. Tomasz Klimek, bidding farewell to his career.