East Netherlands – On November 1, the East Netherlands Executive Council unanimously adopted the 2024-2027 regional draft multi-year policy plan for the police. In accordance with the Police Act, municipal councils will have the opportunity to be heard about this plan in the coming months. The piece is expected to be established in the first quarter of 2024.
Strategic development themes
The Executive Council consists of the mayors of the 76 municipalities and the Chief Public Prosecutor. The strategic themes have been chosen partly on the basis of the municipal, integrated safety plans. A decline in traditional crime and an increase in digital insecurity have been visible for some time now. Because criminals are increasingly active digitally, joint investment in digital security is becoming more urgent. At the same time, there is increasing concern about the nature and extent of less visible, undermining crime and its effects on our living environment. Tackling undermining is prominently on the agenda of all security partners. It is in line with the course already taken to invest heavily in this area. Confidence in the police is inextricably linked to the legitimacy of the police. In a society with differing opinions and increasing social unrest, it is crucial that the police are well connected with society. So that it remains legitimate and effective in its actions.
Strengthening the police
The East Netherlands police will be reinforced with additional people: a total of 160 FTE. In good harmony, the authorities have decided that the unit will use this expansion for additional officers in the basic teams, but also in the control room. There is significant expansion to help citizens and companies in need. The police in East Netherlands are accessible and close: both physically and digitally. They are no longer separate worlds and this poses new challenges to police work in the basic teams. Online threats, helpdesk fraud, digital calls for riots, youth groups that incite each other to commit violence via social media, sextortion and doxing are examples of the new reality. Part of the extra capacity will be used to create a new Web & Neighborhood platform that will support the basic teams.
In the coming period, the East Netherlands unit will work on strategic themes with approximately seven thousand employees. And thus a safer living environment in the physical and digital world. It does this under local authority – the mayors and the Public Prosecution Service – and with a range of partners. Together we invest in an effective approach to insecurity in society. By making the right choices, we contribute to a strong sense of safety. And the confidence of citizens in institutions that are responsible for safety. On the street and online.
Regional mayor Hubert Bruls states: “I am proud and satisfied that in the largest police region in the Netherlands, 76 mayors and the chief public prosecutor have managed to reach an agreement for the next four years. We will also continue to fight for the expansion of police strength in Overijssel and Gelderland.”
Information source: Politie.nl
