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Netherlands: Police use of firearms

01 January 1991

Netherlands: Police use of firearms
artdoc August=1992


The ministers of Justice and Home Affairs are considering
stricter rules on the use of firearms by the police. Police
officers would not be allowed the drawing of their pistol when
threatened with a syringe, a knife or similar objects. The police
ministers want to restrict the use of firearms to criminals who
themselves carry a loaded firearm or who pose a clear and present
danger to others. In a confidential letter to the police unions
the ministers write that in solving conflicts the police is to
avoid the use of firearms to the utmost. "We consider it
desirable that in training and instruction the emphasis is laid
on techniques of arrest and approach, as well as tactical
conduct." The ministers refuse to ease the rules on the
deployment of specialized arrest teams. These police officers are
only allowed to carry automatic weapons with the permit of the
Public Prosecutor and a written authorization of the minister of
Justice. For riot control the Mobiele Eenheden (Mobile Units,
regular police officers in riot gear) will no longer use a
carbine. The ministers "feel that the long baton, the
surveillance dog, the water cannon, the teargas and the standard
sidearm (Walther P5 pistol) is an adequate equipment for such ME
duties."

Statewatch/Amsterdam/1992