The committee notes that good progress has been made in professionalizing the covert domain. There are now more safeguards regarding staff wellbeing: psychologists, professional standards, and protocols such as the four-eyes principle have been introduced. There is also greater involvement from leadership in decision-making and an increasing ethical awareness. The establishment of the Covert Operations Coordination Point (RHO) has created a national overview of covert operations, enabling better coordination. Since its founding in 2022, the RHO has played an important role in further professionalizing the covert domain.
Newly Established Undercover Team
In July 2022, the chief of police, in consultation with the police chief of the then National Unit and with support from the Public Prosecution Services National Office, decided to disband the Working Undercover team (WOD) and break existing patterns. The safety and wellbeing of staff were priorities. This decision aligned with the advice from the Committee Safeguards Working Undercover (WWOD) at the time.
In a relatively short time, the build-up of a new undercover team at the National Detection and Intervention Unit (LO) began. The team has been operational for several months and has already achieved initial results. However, the MWHW committees final report notes that this rapid build-up also had negative consequences. There is growing pain, and preventing old patterns remains an ongoing concern.
Use of Covert Investigative Tools Indispensable
Police Chief LO Rob van Bree: The use of covert investigative tools is indispensable in tackling serious and impactful crime, both nationally and internationally. To maintain operational effectiveness, a new team was quickly established. The potential knowledge and experience gaps were a deliberate consideration at the time.
To responsibly shape the build-up, the UCT initially focuses on more traditional but impactful crime types such as murder, manslaughter, and sexual offenses. This gradual approach allows the team to gain necessary experience and further develop.
Undercover Team Requires Constant Sharpness and Attention
The police acknowledge the committees finding that the UCT needs more knowledge and experience. An undercover team requires continuous sharpness and attention from leadership. The units leadership has recognized this and has since strengthened leadership with expertise and experience.
Further Professionalization of the Covert Domain
The committee indicates that the police and Public Prosecution Service have taken good initial steps in vision development. The Public Prosecution Service has established a dynamic deployment framework aligned with the police. Additionally, the police have drafted a position paper as part of their vision formation. The committee believes further elaboration is necessary. Based on the steps taken, police and Public Prosecution Service will jointly further develop the covert means.
Following the final report, an independent visitation committee will be established, consisting of subject matter experts detached from daily practice. This committee will reflect on the further development of conditions and structures ensuring work is conducted safely, legally sound, and ethically responsible, with sufficient attention to employee wellbeing and their home front.
Appreciation for UCT Achievements
With the completion of the committees work and given advice, the professionalization of the covert domain is not concluded. Good steps have been taken, but more is needed. The final report offers valuable starting points to further advance professionalization. Given the complexity of the work, I clearly see the importance of a visitation committee that monitors and assists in further developing the team and the Covert Detection System. At the same time, I appreciate the achievements the team has delivered in a short time, especially given the challenging context in which they operate, said Rob van Bree.
The final report Committee Monitoring Safeguards Covert Work is attached as an annex to the second half-year police report 2025.
