Jim Gouwen, head of the Expertise Center for Discrimination Response-Police (ECAD-P): ‘Those nine thousand reports are just the tip of the iceberg. We know that the vast majority of people who experience discrimination do not report it. While it has a significant impact on a persons well-being. It is intrusive and painful, as it not only disadvantages you based on characteristics you cannot influence, but also causes a deep feeling of exclusion and inequality. Discrimination affects a persons identity, dignity, and sense of self-worth.’

Expertise Center for Discrimination Response

The police already have the mentioned expertise center ECAD-P, where discrimination investigators and analysts work together with discrimination coordinators from the regional police units. In recent years, the police received funding for this on a project basis.

From the evaluation of the ECAD-P in June 2024, it appears that the expertise center makes a significant contribution to strengthening the approach to discrimination and so-called hate crime. Furthermore, victims feel better supported, and offenders are punished more often. With the expertise, advice, and training from the ECAD-P, the professionalism of police staff is enhanced, allowing the police to better serve victims.

Structural Funding

Now that the ECAD-P has proven to be an effective approach, a structural amount of 3 million euros per year is available. This enables the ECAD-P to better equip the police to identify and address criminal forms of discrimination. The ECAD-P supports units in handling cases but does not take them over.

Increased Penalties from July 1

From July 1, 2025, the increased punishment for discrimination in a so-called common offense, such as assault or vandalism, will be included in the Penal Code. This means that when this is committed with discriminatory intent – for example, out of hatred against a particular group – the penalty can be increased by a third. Therefore, it is even more important for the police to recognize discrimination in reports or complaints from citizens. The ECAD-P plays an essential role in this.

The ECAD-P focuses on addressing all forms of discrimination against citizens, including discrimination based on origin, anti-Semitism, Muslim discrimination, and discrimination against people from the LGBTIQ+ community. Gouwen: ‘For this, we work intensively with the units, as well as with network partners like the Public Prosecution Service, discrimination.nl, report online discrimination (MOD), etc. We advise and inform them so they can ensure the proper handling: criminal and/or non-criminal. In non-criminal cases, you can think of mediation or compensation. Sometimes that is more effective than a criminal approach, as it helps the victim sooner. Furthermore, we analyze the registrations to get a more realistic picture of the extent of discrimination cases in the Netherlands.’

Good Police Work

Willem Taalen, discrimination investigator: ‘Racism and discrimination are often difficult to recognize. It is a complex issue that requires much expertise. Investigators and analysts from the ECAD-P look in police systems to ensure that incidents related to discrimination are properly processed. This is important because if a case involves discrimination, the Public Prosecution Service can demand higher penalties. We assess registrations for relevance, grounds, severity, and nature of the offense. We supplement this as necessary and discuss with colleagues what the best approach is. Here, the victims interest is paramount. We also train colleagues in the treatment of victims. It is essential that the victim feels heard, understood, and well supported.’

Filing a Report or Making a Complaint about Discrimination?

You can report discrimination via this reporting form. Or call us at 0900-8844. Police colleagues from Pink in Blue, the polices employee network for the LGBTIQ+ community, offer you support if you are dealing with LGBTIQ+ discrimination or violence. You can reach them at 088-16 91 234 or rozeinblauw@politie.nl.