According to Peter Holla, national portfolio holder for violence, force is the last resort to de-escalate situations. Our most important weapon remains our mouth. Sometimes that is not enough, and an officer must decide in a fraction of a second to use force. A means of force can also have a de-escalating effect. Threatening with the Taser is often enough to bring the situation under control.
Regarding the stabilization of the use of force, Holla says: This is a positive development, but we do not yet know exactly why it is happening. We are conducting additional scientific research on this.
Physical Force Most Frequently Used
Most of these uses of force occurred while bringing a suspect under control. Physical force was applied 23,912 times.
The use of firearms decreased compared to previous years. In total, officers used their firearms 1,760 times, of which they fired at targets 214 times. In 194 cases, this was to relieve a seriously injured animal from suffering and in 8 cases aimed at an aggressive animal.
Overview of Basic Means of Force Used
- Batons: 3,167 times
- Taser deployment: 1,114 times
- Pepper spray: 749 times
- Firearms: 1,760 times
More Incidents with People with Unexplained Behavior
In 38 percent of the violent incidents, it involved people with unexplained behavior – an increase of over four percent compared to 2023. Often these are individuals who are psychologically disturbed. Such situations require cooperation with care partners, says Holla. These individuals do not always need police, but rather help. Holla continues: Individuals with unexplained behavior are often unpredictable and therefore dangerous to themselves and their surroundings.
Assessment and Craftsmanship Central
Officers are authorized and trained to use force when the situation requires it. It is important that they do not use more force than necessary. Every use of force is documented and assessed. We not only assess legally, such as proportionality and care, but also in terms of content. This can mean that a use of force is legally correct, but does not meet internal requirements, such as de-escalation or reliability, explains Holla. Citizens are also involved in the assessment of the use of force through committees.
In 295 cases (0.82%), the use of force did not or only partially met the assessment criteria. The authority to use force carries great responsibility, says Holla. For the legitimacy of our daily actions, it is important that we provide transparency, assess force, and continue to learn.
Complaints during Social Unrest
The number of complaints about police violence increased, particularly regarding social unrest and demonstrations, such as at the UvA and highway blockades. These complaints are investigated by the Safety, Integrity, and Complaints team (VIK).
Learning from Incidents of Violence
Reflection is a fixed part after each incident of violence. Lessons from incidents are discussed within teams, incorporated into training, and can lead to new policies. Learning is just as important to us as acting, says Holla. Recommendations regarding excited delirium – an acute medical emergency – have now been included in the teaching materials and applied in practice. Additional scientific research should provide more clarity about developments and consequences of the use of force. The results are expected throughout next year.
