The Rijksrecherche
The Rijksrecherche is an independent investigative department that occupies a unique position within the Dutch justice system. Its primary task is to investigate serious criminal offences (not misdemeanours) committed by government officials. These officials include police, tax and customs officers, employees of central, local and provincial governments, staff of the public prosecutor’s office, and personnel of bodies responsible for administering justice.
Scope of investigation
Not every alleged wrongdoing by these officials falls under the Rijksrecherche’s jurisdiction. A Directive — a by‑law of the board of Prosecutors‑General—defines the agency’s “playing field.” The Rijksrecherche concentrates on cases that could seriously affect, or threaten to affect, the integrity of the Dutch public sector. In practice, this means focusing on corruption‑related crimes, such as:
- Bribery
- Violation of professional secrecy
- Unauthorised access to government data
- Extortion, embezzlement, fraud and forgery
In addition, the Rijksrecherche is tasked with probing incidents involving the use of firearms by law‑enforcement officers that result in death or bodily harm, as well as other confrontations that cause serious injury (e.g., deaths occurring during deprivation of liberty).