Coordination in Local Counter-Radicalization: Examining the Roles of the Dutch National Police

This thesis examines the coordination between the Dutch National Police and municipal enforcement officers (BOAs) within Amsterdam's local counter-radicalization framework. Seven core documents were selected to conduct a qualitative document analysis investigating institutional positioning, strategic roles, and the operationalization of multi-agency collaboration. Despite Amsterdam's reputation for possessing a relatively advanced counter-radicalization structure, the findings reveal fragmentation. Key challenges include mandate ambiguity, policy-practice gaps, and an over-reliance on informal mechanisms, all hindering effective coordination. Although BOAs are uniquely positioned at the frontline of community engagement, their contribution to counter-radicalization strategies remains inconsistent. Their frequent exclusion from formal decision-making processes and intelligence-sharing has weakened their strategic potential. The research further underscores the critical role of...Show moreThis thesis examines the coordination between the Dutch National Police and municipal enforcement officers (BOAs) within Amsterdam's local counter-radicalization framework. Seven core documents were selected to conduct a qualitative document analysis investigating institutional positioning, strategic roles, and the operationalization of multi-agency collaboration. Despite Amsterdam's reputation for possessing a relatively advanced counter-radicalization structure, the findings reveal fragmentation. Key challenges include mandate ambiguity, policy-practice gaps, and an over-reliance on informal mechanisms, all hindering effective coordination. Although BOAs are uniquely positioned at the frontline of community engagement, their contribution to counter-radicalization strategies remains inconsistent. Their frequent exclusion from formal decision-making processes and intelligence-sharing has weakened their strategic potential. The research further underscores the critical role of informal, trust-based relationships in daily operations; however, these mechanisms lack the durability required for long-term governance. Additionally, the framing of radicalization was found to negatively affect both public perceptions and the practices of frontline actors. This thesis contributes an empirically grounded understanding of plural policing in the context of radicalization prevention, emphasizing the need for stronger integration of municipal actors in Dutch formal security governance.Show less

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Coordination in Local Counter-Radicalization: Examining the Roles of the Dutch National Police