Neighbourhood watches are not uncommon in the Netherlands. However, it is not common for them to take a proactive stance and detain and pursue suspects. The aim of this paper wasto discover the...Show moreNeighbourhood watches are not uncommon in the Netherlands. However, it is not common for them to take a proactive stance and detain and pursue suspects. The aim of this paper wasto discover the issues of legitimacy of proactive neighbourhood watches in the Netherlands. To do this a case-study of the well-known proactive neighbourhood watches in the Netherlands, Kootwijkerbroek and Neder-Betuwe, was conducted. First, the two networks were analysed using Whelan’s (2015) five levels of analysis. Second, the neighbourhoodwatches are tested along the lines of democratic, legal and social legitimacy. As a result, it became apparent that the proactive neighbourhood watches struggle on all fronts of legitimacy, except local social legitimacy.Show less
The hierarchical vertical structures of security networks are increasingly making way for horizontal networked structures. One of these security networks is the Neighbourhood Watch group of...Show moreThe hierarchical vertical structures of security networks are increasingly making way for horizontal networked structures. One of these security networks is the Neighbourhood Watch group of Schipluiden, which strives for less crime and a better quality of life within their municipality. It is aimed at reducing crimes such as robberies, burglaries, violence, vandalism and destruction of property. Even though these initiatives gained quite some popularity in the Netherlands, they remain prone to several challenges. Therefore, this thesis examines what challenges are affecting the effectiveness and legitimacy of the Dutch Neighbourhood Watch group of Schipluiden. Through qualitative research methods, this thesis combined several criteria in order to evaluate the effectiveness and legitimacy of the Neighbourhood Watch group of Schipluiden at different levels of analysis. After using a combination of content analysis and expert interviews, this thesis concludes that the NHWS is a legitimate security network that is currently effective, yet prone to several challenges that could affect the effectiveness in the future.Show less
