Dutch police officers used force in 25,404 incidents in 2025, an increase of around 12% on the previous year and almost a quarter higher than in 2022. Force was used in fewer than one in every 100 call-outs.
The figures come from the police’s annual report on use of force. Officers attended 2.67 million incidents in total in 2025. The police attribute the rise to a higher overall number of call-outs, better recording of force used against property, and a year of frequent demonstrations and riots.
Confused behaviour
Some 40% of all force incidents involved people the police describe as showing “confused behaviour” – about 10,000 cases – up from 38% the year before. “People with confused behaviour don’t always need the police, they need help,” the national lead on use of force, Corry van Breda, said in a statement. “That requires working with our partners in care.”
The figure reflects a problem the force has flagged repeatedly. The police recorded almost 150,000 reports involving people with psychiatric issues in 2024, and senior officers have called for more help from the mental health system. Parliament has expressed concern this year about rising numbers and limited care options.
Firearms and reviews
Three-quarters of registered force was physical – officers grabbing, pushing, or applying control holds. Firearm use dropped slightly: officers drew or aimed their service weapon 1,679 times in 2025, against 1,760 the year before. The police say better training and earlier use of tasers explain the longer-term decline.
Of 212 shots fired, 198 were directed at seriously injured or aggressive animals; officers fired at a person on 14 occasions, up from 12 in 2024.
Around 1,700 incidents were formally assessed because someone was injured or other criteria were triggered. In 369 cases, the review found the force used did not fully meet professional standards, though the police say that does not automatically mean it was unlawful.
Fifteen cases ended in disciplinary action such as a reprimand or withdrawal of leave. “Out of 25,000 incidents, I think that is particularly few,” Van Breda told broadcaster NOS.
Violence against officers also rose last year, up around 3% on 2024, with sharper increases in attacks involving fireworks and serious assault. Van Breda has separately called for tougher sentencing for assaults on emergency workers.
