The Netherlands risks falling behind in the fight against crime unless the government guarantees at least €350 million in extra funding every year, police leaders and regional officials warned on Monday.
In a joint paper titled Always there when it’s needed, the police, prosecutors, mayors, and staff council said resources are already stretched by rising pressures such as thousands of demonstrations, 15,000 monthly cases of disruptive behaviour, and more than 1,100 criminal bombings at homes and businesses.
Police Chief Janny Knol said the appeal is about national safety, not the institution itself. Regional mayor Hubert Bruls described the demand as “a cry for help.”
