Police Chief Janny Knol honors Dina Sanson, first woman in Dutch police force
On International Women’s Day, Janny Knol, Chief of Police in the Netherlands, took to social media to pay tribute to Dina Sanson, the first woman to serve in the Dutch police force. Sanson’s groundbreaking career began in 1911 when she joined the force in Rotterdam as an assistant, defying the odds and breaking barriers for women in law enforcement.
Knol shared a glimpse of the challenges Sanson faced during her early years. “She entered through a separate door, wore no uniform, and received the same pay as an assistant, despite holding a leadership role,” Knol wrote. These obstacles didn’t stop Sanson, whose determination helped pave the way for future generations of women in policing.
Sanson, who lived from 1868 to 1929, played a key role in the creation of what is now the child protection and sexual offenses division. She also led a police team in a male-dominated environment, a rare achievement at the time.
Reflecting on the progress made since Sanson’s era, Knol highlighted advancements in gender equality within the police force. In 2019, women made up 34 percent of the force, a number that has now risen to 42 percent. Even more notably, women now occupy half of the top strategic leadership positions.
"It remains important to pay attention to the position of women: both outside and within the police," Knol said. She noted that when she was appointed Chief, some people found it remarkable that she was the first woman to hold the position.
"Sanson was seen as a true connector who, with great passion, did her work to make a difference and make the world a little better," Knol continued. "She understood the spirit of the time and actively sought out the fringes of society, where the police can be of great importance. In our strategic agenda, we now call that identifying and advising. The way Sanson worked can serve as an example for me: Often, you achieve more by seeking connection rather than engaging in conflict."
To honor Sanson’s legacy, Knol recently received the first copy of a book about Sanson’s life and groundbreaking work. The book highlights Sanson’s significant contributions to the Dutch police force, especially in the development of the child protection and sexual offenses division.
