Within the National Unit, there has been an unsafe work culture for some time. Three employees who were involved in a special undercover department have lost their lives after conflicts in the workplace. There is said to be a culture of bullying and a sickening atmosphere in a number of departments. It was often pointed at managers.
According to Bernt Schneiders, chairman of the inquiry committee, a large part of the problems has to do with the organizational structure. His committee paints a picture of the National Unit as a large, unwieldy organization that pays too little attention to personal circumstances and where “the potential of employees is insufficiently utilized.”
One of the two new units will focus on national investigation and one on national operations and expertise.
It is also important that the working atmosphere becomes safer again. The committee therefore advises “to explicitly formulate desirable and undesirable behaviour, to draw up appropriate leadership profiles and to inspect current managers.”
In order to arrive at a new organization and culture, the police have to work hard, says Justice Minister Dilan Yeşilgöz in response to the advice, which she therefore adopts. Today we offer the police employees clarity about the future of the National Unit. An important step towards an organization with more focus and a recognizable profile that can handle today’s security issues.”
Chief of police Henk van Essen speaks of a “next phase” after the last large-scale reorganization, which led to the formation of the National Police. “The changes at the National Unit affect the entire police force,” says Van Essen. “If only because all units will benefit from the proper functioning of the new national units and they will work closely with them.
In order to implement the reform, Van Essen must come up with a transition plan by 1 October this year at the latest. Yeşilgöz has asked the Schneiders commission to oversee the culture shift.