NCJ Number
215119
Date Published
January 2004
Length
55 pages
Annotation
This document provides an overview of policing in the Netherlands.
Abstract
The overall objective for Dutch police in 2006 is to reduce crime, deal with anti-social behavior in public places, and enforce and implement anti-crime measures. Core tasks include patrolling the streets and other public places, maintaining public order, investigating criminal offices, and providing assistance during emergencies. The Dutch police force is divided into 25 regional forces and the National Police Services Agency (KLPD). Population size, building density, and crime rates generally determine the size of regional police forces, which are allowed wide discretion in defining their priorities and fulfilling their duties. The responsibilities of the ministers and the Public Prosecution Service (OM) are reviewed, followed by descriptions of the funding and operational management of the Dutch police. The everyday work of police is discussed, which includes daily patrols, recording offenses, investigating crimes, road traffic duties, and crime prevention activities. Regional police agencies have specialized teams of officers for different aspects of policing, including arrest teams, police infiltration teams, observation teams, special support teams, sex crimes teams, and criminal investigation support teams. The tasks of the KLPD and the Royal Military Constabulary are enumerated and the 12 KLPD divisions are described, which include railway police, aviation police, and mounted police and police dogs services. Policies regarding recruitment, selection, and training of Dutch police officers are discussed as are the general knowledge requirements of Dutch police officers. The Netherlands is a member state of the European Union and its efforts toward international police cooperation are presented, which include the development of the European Police Learning Network for the exchange of information and expertise.