Police are reducing the backlog of sex crime cases

Police say the backlog of sex crime cases is steadily being reduced. Two years ago, it was noted that 3,500 cases still needed to be dealt with, but that number is now at 2,770, with 700 being more than six months old. "The oldest cases have our focus right now because this concerns victims who have been waiting the longest," said a police spokesperson.

The police are happy that a report by the Inspectorate of Justice and Security describes the police using a more tailored approach in the handling of sex crime cases and that the inspectorate's intensive supervision of the sex crimes investigation team has now ended.

"The inspectorate does not share the opinion that sex crime detectives still discourage pressing charges in many cases," said the spokesperson. "It is the police's job to always treat victims with respect, attention, and in an emphatic way. However, it will never be the case that all victims are happy with how police handle their cases."

The police are looking at options with victims outside of criminal prosecution, such as mediation or assistance from a victim advocate. "Victims are offered more options and are therefore given more control over their case."

The sex crimes investigation teams currently has approximately 700 employees and is formally at full strength.