The East Netherlands Police looks back on a busy year. A year in which the number of crimes remained almost the same compared to 2024, while reports from citizens increased. It was also a year in which the East Netherlands Police contributed to a safe and festive Kings Day in Doetinchem. Additionally, many colleagues were deployed at the NATO summit in The Hague. And the police had to intervene several times at various demonstrations inside and outside East Netherlands. The triangle expresses its appreciation that the police still managed to hold their ground despite the busyness and challenges they faced.
Capacity Reaches Adequate Levels
Efforts in recent years to recruit and hire new colleagues have been very effective. Operational strength has grown faster than expected and is, at the unit level, almost at the desired level. However, there are differences between districts and basic teams. Tactical investigation or detective work is still under pressure due to understaffing. Therefore, recently people with specific knowledge and expertise have been recruited in other ways from outside, allowing them to be deployed in specific work areas without requiring a full police diploma.
Sharp Increase in Fake Police Officers
In recent years, there has been a sharp increase in fake police officers who try to steal valuables from mainly elderly people using trickery. In East Netherlands, nearly 2,900 incidents were registered in 2025 with almost 600 reports. Nationally, there were over 13,000 incidents with more than 2,700 reports. Because many victims do not report out of shame, the actual number of victims is higher. Through targeted investigation in 2025, nearly 150 suspects were sent to the Public Prosecution Service. This is a threefold increase compared to all of 2024. Besides investigation, prevention was also emphasized. Among others, a national campaign was developed from our unit together with Omroep Max and through cooperation with (home care) organizations in East Netherlands.
Issues Around People with Unexplained Behavior Remain Large
Another topic that continues to require attention is the issue around people with unexplained behavior. In the past year, East Netherlands saw an increase of over 11% compared to 2024. Since 2021, there has been an increase of over 33%. This ongoing issue places a heavy burden on police capacity, which therefore cannot attend to other tasks and calls for structural solutions.
112 Called More Often
Notably, the pressure on the 112 emergency call center has increased significantly. In 2025, there was an increase of over 26% in 112 calls in East Netherlands compared to 2023. The same picture is seen nationally. With the introduction of the 112 NL app, intended for the hearing impaired and non-Dutch speakers among others, calls can also be made via chat to the emergency center.
More Drivers Removed from the Road Under Influence
Driving under the influence of drugs or medicines - whether or not combined with alcohol - increased by over 32% to 4,491. Because saliva tests have become more user-friendly in recent years, they are used more often. This results in more drivers being taken off the road under influence. Cases involving driving under the influence of alcohol alone decreased from 3,683 to 3,185. This remains unacceptably high. The police will continue enforcement on driving under influence in 2026.
Future Sustainability Under Pressure Due to Imposed Budget Cuts
In the coming years, the police nationwide face a major challenge. Without additional investments from the government, an unavoidable growing deficit of €350 million will arise by 2030, which can only be achieved by cutting personnel costs. For our unit, this means that in 2026 €5 million must be saved on personnel costs to become financially healthy again (subject to political decision-making). Recruitment of blue on the street and investigation in blue will continue for now. This has been agreed with the minister.
This means that in consultation with mayors and the Public Prosecution Service, choices must be made to bring the police budget in order. At the same time, the police must ensure future sustainability. Crime is constantly changing, with digital crime becoming increasingly more creative and complex. It transcends local, regional, and national borders. Modern technology, acquiring new specialist knowledge, and other ways of working offer many opportunities for police and investigation work. At the same time, future sustainability is under pressure due to the budget cuts. Mayors, police, and the Public Prosecution Service therefore ask for stability and continuity in policy and financing, so that society can rely on the police now and in the future where it is truly needed. Both in rural areas, city centers, neighborhoods, and online.