This paper examines the challenges to the effectiveness and legitimacy of RIECs. Document analysis and a semi-structured interview were conducted using developed indicators for effectiveness and...Show moreThis paper examines the challenges to the effectiveness and legitimacy of RIECs. Document analysis and a semi-structured interview were conducted using developed indicators for effectiveness and legitimacy. The findings reveal the complex and multifaceted nature of the challenges that the RIECs face. For effectiveness, structural challenges include the lack of clarity and indifference to RIECs’responsibilities, involving municipalities, insufficient capacity, and short-term employment. Policy challenges involve objective coordination issues, the absence of a uniform approach in creating undermining images, deficient information sharing and merging procedures, lengthy lead times, and ill-structured financial support. Cultural challenges include a lack and divergence of administrative awareness and understanding of the risk related to undermining crime and a divergence and hesitance of participating in the integrated approach. Technical challenges involve an outdated and non-user-friendly RIEC-IS system and insufficient automation for connecting relevant information. Relational challenges arise from hierarchical relationships and low trust among partners. For legitimacy, only social legitimacy is examined. The challenge here revolves around aligning the joint and individual efforts in RIECs’ accountability approach. Other challenges include determining the focus of accountability during stressful periods and the need for dynamic accountability in RIECs’ operations. In conclusion, by categorizing the challenges to effectiveness into multiple layers, this study contributes to a better understanding of the areas that need future improvements, which is fruitful for policymakers. Furthermore, addressing social legitimacy contributes to a better understanding of accountability within networked governance, which is beneficial for future improvement of the accountability approach within networks, including the RIECs.Show less
