News item | 20-09-2022 | 15:15
Serious organized crime has a disruptive effect on our society. In the coming years, the government will invest heavily in a comprehensive approach to organized crime. By joining forces, serious crime can be tackled better. At the same time, the door of our legal system must be open to everyone. That is why the government is also taking measures to improve access to justice, such as a reduction in court fees.
Every day thousands of people work on our safety: from police officers and special investigating officers to public prosecutors and judges. These people ensure that the rule of law functions properly and that the Netherlands is a safe and free country.
Tackling organized crime and subversion
We tackle serious organized crime in collaboration with all parties involved in the criminal justice chain and beyond. The common goal is to give serious criminals no room. This is done through a combination of: preventing, breaking through, punishing and protecting.
An important commitment is that little boys do not grow into big criminals. Vulnerable young people are prey for criminals, who let them do the dirty jobs. Once entangled in the circuit, these young people can end up in serious crime. Neighborhood officers, youth workers, teachers and municipalities work together to prevent young people from being sucked into crime. Next year, € 103 million will be invested in this preventive and neighbourhood-oriented approach.
The criminals’ trading model is tackled by, among other things, disrupting the criminal logistics chains. In 2023, the government will invest €23.5 million to tackle drug trafficking via the ports, transport companies and Schiphol Airport. With this money, access controls, camera networks and screening of employees can be strengthened. In addition, € 40 million is being earmarked for the fight against organized, subversive crime.
Efforts to track down and severely punish criminals have meanwhile led to the arrest of a class of serious criminals. This extreme category often turns out to be ruthless and dangerous, also from prison. They are willing to continue their criminal business from prison. Or to try to break out of prison.
Next year, the cabinet will invest € 34 million to prevent criminals in detention from continuing their trade. There will be a fourth Intensive Surveillance Unit in a prison. Prisons are getting extra money to gather intelligence about their inmates. And investments are being made in safer forms of trial. For example, the use of videoconferencing eliminates the need for risky transport to courts.
Access to justice
In addition to a strict approach to crime, it is important for a properly functioning rule of law that people have good access to justice. The door of our justice system must be open to anyone seeking justice. This access can be provided through good, comprehensible information, clear legal advice or – ultimately – the settlement of a legal dispute by a judge.
In order to keep the door to the court open, the cabinet is lowering the registry fees. These costs of filing a lawsuit can form a barrier for citizens and SMEs to seek justice. From 2024, the rates for simple matters will be reduced by a quarter. € 55 million is being earmarked for this.
In addition, the cabinet is allocating €155 million for additional judges and other court staff. This ensures that lawsuits can be handled faster. The money is also intended to bring justice closer to people, for example with judges sitting in the district. And for further digitization and innovations.
However, a judge is not always necessary to resolve a legal dispute. People are often better helped with other solutions. For example, good information and expert advice can help you get out of debt. This has helped people more than a lawsuit over payment. The same applies to the use of mediation, for example. The cabinet is working on making these forms of support for legal problems accessible, for example via consultation hours in the neighborhood or online.
Effective asylum and migration policy
The cabinet is making extra money available for the crisis reception of asylum seekers, housing and integration of status holders. Between 2022 and 2027, this will add up to more than € 1 billion.
In addition, the cabinet has made administrative agreements with the security regions, provinces and municipalities to realize more reception locations for asylum seekers and to promote the outflow of status holders. The government is also taking measures to regulate the influx and throughput of asylum seekers, for example by extending the period for family reunification.