There are 5800 police (Politie) officers in the Amsterdam-Amstelland region which is roughly one police officer for every 170 inhabitants. Current Dutch policing policy is pro-active with a visible presence at criminal 'hot-spots' and a low tolerance approach to disturbances in public spaces. Police patrol on foot, bicycle, motorbike, horseback and when there has been some kind of incident arrive by car or van (white with blue and orange). Crime prevention is a significant part of police work and teams are assisted nationally by 4,000 uniformed 'town watchers' on patrol who help to stop anti-social behaviour and 2,000 volunteers who have the same training as regular police officers.

Alongside 25 regional police forces is the KLPD National Police Services Agency (4,500 people) which includes traffic police, railway police, water police, aviation police, mounted police and police dogs, the national criminal intelligence service and the Royal and Diplomatic Protection Service (DKDB). There is a military force (comparable to the Italian Carabinieri) that deals with national security. The Royal Military Constabulary (Koninklijke Marechaussee) has a significant team based at Schiphol Airport where there is a complete criminal justice complex that can handle 2,800 cases a year. 128 cells accommodate up to 222 people including aliens ordered to leave the Netherlands. Standard issue for every police officer are a 9mm service pistol, a short baton, pepper spray and handcuffs. Bullet proof vests are also increasingly used. Amsterdam police officers have seen it all, so don't feel embarrassed about approaching one. They will be in uniform (white shirts with blue epaulettes, blue trousers, and black jacket) and they will be carrying ID so ask to see it. See www.politie.nl for more information.