Police Use of Force in Netherlands Rose by 9% in 2025 Amid Social Unrest

In 2025, Dutch police officers used force in 25,163 incidents, representing a 9 percent increase from the previous year and a significant rise since 2022. The annual report attributes this surge to growing social unrest, increasing societal hardening, and a 4 percent rise in total police interventions. Physical violence against property, such as kicking in doors, accounted for 57 percent of these cases. The Hague recorded the highest number of incidents, followed by Rotterdam and Amsterdam. Concurrently, violence against officers by citizens also increased, with approximately 13,000 reported cases. While most force applications were deemed necessary for control or arrests, police chiefs ruled that 369 instances failed to meet professional standards, resulting in fifteen disciplinary measures. Specific tools like extendable batons saw increased usage, while firearms were discharged 212 times, primarily against animals. Deputy Police Chief Corry van Breda emphasized that the complex nature of modern demonstrations, often involving groups intent on rioting, has complicated police work. The Police Academy is conducting further investigations to fully understand the underlying causes of these rising figures.