In handling complaints and reports, Discriminatie.nl, the police, the Expertise Center for Discrimination Approach Police (ECAD-P), and the Public Prosecution Service work closely together. Knowing each others expertise and getting in touch with one another are important steps in achieving a meaningful resolution for the victim.

Providing Assistance

‘People who come forward can always count on assistance,’ emphasizes Frederique Janss, director of Discriminatie.nl in North Holland North and Kennemerland. ‘We take every complaint seriously and try to resolve it. Based on the nature of the report, we can help people with advice, mediation, or support in procedures. The annual figures also help us to work together more effectively with our partners, for example in providing information and training and in making policy.’

Proper Resolution

The Expertise Center for Discrimination Approach of the Police (ECAD-P) is specifically there to advise police and partners on the proper resolution of a complaint or report. ‘If a complaint or report cannot be investigated criminally, then mediation, a stop conversation, or compensation can sometimes provide a solution,’ says Jim Gouwen, head of ECAD-P: ‘Sometimes that is even more effective than a criminal approach, because people who report discrimination are helped more quickly that way. Furthermore, we analyze the registrations to get a more realistic picture of the scope of discrimination cases in the Netherlands.’

WebApp Discrimination

More attention to awareness, knowledge development, and proper registration remains necessary in the approach to discrimination,’ emphasizes Famke van Spaendonk, Head of Operations of the police in North Holland. ‘That is why we have looked together with chain partners in North Holland at the possibilities to improve the reporting of discrimination incidents by the police, think about being able to recognize a discrimination aspect in cases of assault, vandalism, insult, and threat. The developed WebApp Discrimination provides colleagues with practical information and tips on how to deal with situations where discrimination plays a role and describes how chain partners can help you in the fight against discrimination.’