DFO’s contacts with these institutions and with the Protocol and Host Country Affairs Department (DPG) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has resulted in effective cooperation and the sharing of information and advice on surveillance and protection, prevention and other police services.

On Tuesday 28 October, the 4th Annual Autumn Event was held by the three police departments in The Hague Unit involved in international operations: the International Legal Assistance Centre, International Police Cooperation and the Surveillance and Protection Department. The event offered guests from the international community the opportunity to meet one another and learn about the work of the police in the ‘City of Peace and Justice’.

The afternoon began with a word of welcome by Karin Krukkert, chief constable of The Hague Regional Police Unit. A video highlighted how the unit contributes to safety and security on a daily basis, from policing demonstrations to providing support at international events, such as last June’s NATO Summit. Next up was a cold case story about an impactful incident. This case demonstrated how different parts of the police work together, from the initial report received by the control room and the deployment of emergency services, to the work of criminal investigators and communication with the media. Through images, audio recordings and commentary from the officers involved, the presentation gave a picture of police teamwork in action. The event offered valuable insight into the wide-ranging work of the police in The Hague, and highlighted that police work is for people, by people.