The Chief of Police received the first copy of a book about Dina Sanson, the first female police officer in the Netherlands, last week in connection with International Womens Day. Sanson was appointed as a police assistant in Rotterdam in 1911. She was instrumental in what we now call the child and sex crimes police and eventually led a police team in a world dominated by men.

Inspiration

It remains important to pay attention to the position of women, says Chief of Police Janny Knol, both outside and inside the police. Especially around my appointment as Chief of Police, I noticed that for some people it was quite a thing that I am the first woman in this position. Sanson was seen as a true connector who passionately did her work to mean something and make the world a little better. She understood the spirit of the times and actively sought the edges of society, where police can also be of great importance. In our strategic agenda, we now call that signaling and advising. The way Sanson worked can be an example for me: often you achieve more by seeking connection than by engaging in conflict.

Statement from the Chief

Chief of Police Janny Knol previously posted this message about the book on Dina Sanson on LinkedIn.