Tough Choices Inevitable Due to Ongoing Understaffing

Police Call Remains High
Many people in the Netherlands feel engaged with current issues such as climate and war. This has led to a significant demand for police to maintain peace, order, and safety.

In 2024, there were also many reports of fake officers and explosives in conflicts.

The number of crimes in East Netherlands was 36,109, similar to 2023, but the percentage of solved cases increased from 27% to 30%.

Police Supports People with Disturbed Behavior
With a 5% increase in reports (26,701), the police spent considerable time on people with disturbed behavior. In cases of acute danger, the police is responsible for safely transferring these individuals to care professionals. There is a desire for multidisciplinary crisis services.

Police Seizes 35 Million Euros from Criminals
In 2024, the police in East Netherlands discovered 16 drug labs and 48 drug waste dumpings, similar to the previous year. They also identified 173 criminal networks. This organized crime is accompanied by violence and threats. The police is heavily investing in combating this crime and seizing criminal assets: 35 million euros in 2024.

Faster Help for Victims of Digital Crime
Since 2024, victims of online crime receive quicker assistance from police officers to file reports or secure evidence. This increases the chances of apprehending offenders. This effective approach is now being implemented elsewhere in the country.

Filing reports is crucial to understand how criminals operate. Digital crime often involves many victims per offender, leading to high damage amounts. A case of credit card fraud had as many as 157 victims.

The registered damage from digital crime in East Netherlands amounted to 31 million euros in 2024.

Understaffing Leads to Tough Choices
The police is facing a personnel shortage in the coming years. This understaffing will persist. Given the unrest in society and changing crime patterns, the police is looking for innovations in their work using modern technology such as drones and artificial intelligence. In addition to detection, prevention and disrupting criminal activities are becoming increasingly important.

Together with mayors and the Public Prosecution Service, the police is not shying away from making tough choices, such as selectivity in cases. This is in line with the government program.

The police values contact with the residents of East Netherlands, both offline and online. This helps them contribute to peace and safety.