Rijksrecherche (National Police Internal Investigations Department)
Rijksrecherche
Summary
The Rijksrecherche is the Netherlands' dedicated independent investigative body for police-involved deaths and serious incidents. Staffed by investigators who are not employees of the police under review and supervised by the Public Prosecution Service, it conducts mandatory investigations whenever a person is killed or seriously wounded by police firearms, or dies in custody. Its mandate is codified in the Aanwijzing taken en inzet rijksrecherche (BWBR0046819, 2022). Findings are referred to the prosecutor for charging decisions; the Rijksrecherche does not itself impose discipline.
Independence Scorecard
| Appointment | Executive appointment |
|---|---|
| Term length | Not specified |
| Removal standard | At will (weak protection) |
| Budget independence | Legislative line item |
| Subpoena power | Yes |
| Compel testimony | Yes |
| Records access | Full access |
| Public reports required | Yes |
| Pre-publication review | None — reports published directly |
Statute
- Name
- Aanwijzing taken en inzet rijksrecherche
- Citation
- BWBR0046819 (2022-07-01)
- Full text
- Full text of law →
Jurisdiction scope
Investigates alleged crimes by police, public officials, and civil servants; mandatory investigator in all police-involved deaths and serious injuries from firearms use; operates under the College van procureurs-generaal (Board of Procurators General) of the Public Prosecution Service