Police face complex challenges: ‘Uphold the rule of law’
The Dutch police face complex challenges, from organised crime and polarisation to digitalisation and new forms of crime. To deal with this effectively, they need innovation and intensive collaboration, says Professor by Special Appointment of Police Studies, Monica den Boer, in her inaugural lecture.
Den Boer, whose chair was established by the Netherlands Police, explores how the police organisation can respond better to a changing society. ‘The police force is a very extensive government organisation with a really important role in society. But to continue operating effectively, legitimately and ethically, it needs to innovate continuously.’
Den Boer has many of years of experience in the security world, was active as an MP (D66) and is Professor of Military Police Operations at the Netherland Defence Academy in Breda. For more information about her career and background, read the interview on her appointment.
Challenges for the police
The police face important challenges such as the increasing polarisation in society and organised crime, says Den Boer. And digitalisation and cybercrime also require new skills and intensive collaboration with partners such as municipalities, mental health services and private organisations.
A strong ethical compass is crucial, she says. New technology and powers are needed, but the police must continue to operate within the law.
Rule of law
Above all, it is essential, says Den Boer, that the police uphold the rule of law. How tempting it may be to bend the rules at times, the police have a crucial role model as guardians of the law.
‘The police can do an incredible amount. They have extensive powers. But with each power, you have to consider time and again: are the police doing what is right, legitimate and just? For whom are they doing this and why?’ says Den Boer.
Data goldmine
The police force is sitting on a veritable data goldmine, says Den Boer. ‘The police have so much information. It’s like a haystack: there are enormous opportunities but it takes a huge amount of manpower to find the needle.’
Smart data analysis and new technologies could help the police discover patterns and become more effective, but the legal and ethical frameworks need careful scrutiny. ‘You need to prevent a kind of Wild West. Citizens’ rights and privacy need to be protected, also in the digital domain. That is a delicate balance that we all need to be keep a close eye on.’
Change from within
Major changes within an organisation such as the police force take a lot of time, says Den Boer. With around 65,000 staff, the police is one of the largest government organisations. ‘The police force is not a weathervane but rather a battleship that takes a long time to turn. You can only change the organisational culture and mindset from within.’
Role of academia
Den Boer thinks research can play an important role for the police. ‘Research helps look at the long term. It can offer knowledge, insights and development options for the police organisation and individual police officers.’
By actively starting a dialogue, academics can help the police reflect on real-life dilemmas. And conversely, the teaching, for example at the Police Academy, can provide academics with valuable real-world input, allowing for interaction with universities. ‘That is the dynamic role of academia.’