I don't understand this ad hominem. Why should the policeman not be allowed to enjoy his retirement. I would assume that he has done his job hundreds of times and has provided justice in more than the vast majority of his cases.

But yes. For a mistake in which all(!) parts of the system have completely failed, for that then the pawn is to be punished.

In a time of cancel culture, mobs on the net, cyber bullying and death threats by idiots online, I wouldn't talk to a reporter either.

At least that's how I can imagine the thought process. And there may be another aspect. I don't know, but my pop culture "education" would make me fear that I might expose myself to the risk of a lawsuit for damages if I were to admit a mistake instead of the police officer.

Because in my opinion he is not to blame. But he does bear part of the responsibility. And he should own up to it. Unquestioningly. But I know too little whether he would make himself personally vulnerable.

In this respect I would not go from the refusal to comment on the case to deny him the enjoyment of the pension.