Cops: Give mayors more control over policing

Two thirds of police officers want mayors to have more control over policing in their cities. According to them, mayors have a better view on where the police can be deployed to be most effective. This is according to a survey done by opposition party SP among 1,700 police officers. The survey revealed a strong dissatisfaction among the corps. Officers also complained about getting too little training, having too few colleagues and the much heavier workload since the introduction of the National Police. One of the officers said that a "miracle" will be needed to make the National Police a success. "The police is such a sinking ship. If we were a private company, we would have been bankrupt long ago", another said. There is a good chance that the officers' wish to give more control back to the mayors will be granted. In June the “Reassessment Realization Plan Nation Police” by Minister Ard van der Steur of Security and Justice leaked out. The plan states that he wants to give mayors more power. The Minister is expected to release the final plan next week.