Special investigating officers are not automatically authorized to take enforcement action against sexual harassment in public. The pilot project is intended to assess how their involvement, alongside the police, can contribute to effectively enforcing this criminal offense. It will continue for another year. An evaluation process is running in parallel with the pilot project. The evaluation process and experiences from the pilot project will inform decisions on what role special investigating officers can play in enforcing the law against sexual harassment in public. The evaluation process is expected to be completed by the summer of 2026.
State Secretary Coenradie previously visited special investigating officers in Utrecht and plans to visit Almere later this year.
”The pilot project with special investigating officers tackling sexual harassment is already yielding its first positive results: it has not only led to the first prosecutions and convictions, but it is also reinforcing an important social norm: we will not tolerate sexual harassment on our streets. Enforcement is a vital element in our broader approach to this issue, which also includes prevention and awareness. I wish the special investigating officers in the four new cities a strong and successful start.”