Millions of offences are committed in the Netherlands every
year - more than the Public Prosecution Service can deal with.
Public prosecutors therefore have to make informed decisions in
their efforts to combat crime. They have to decide which cases
should be given priority and how they can best be dealt
with.
To some extent these decisions are taken at national level,
mainly by the Board of Procurators General, the highest authority
in the Public Prosecution Service. Together with the Minister of
Justice, the committee sets the parameters for investigation and
prosecution policy.
Tripartite
consultations
Individual public prosecutors also have to make choices. The
scope for their decisions is circumscribed by the national
policy, but they can take local circumstances into account. They
can decide, for instance, whether to use police resources for
increasing patrols in shopping malls or for tracking down farmers
who contravene the manure regulations, whether to give priority
to drug abuse or to improving road safety.
The Public Prosecution Service does not take these decisions
alone. One of its tasks is to take part in tripartite
consultations with local burgomasters and police representatives
to discuss matters relating to public safety and the use of
police resources.
The Public Prosecution Service also works together with various
other groups: local authorities, probation boards, prison
authorities, child protection boards and road safety groups, but
also with lawyers and the business sector.
Crime prevention
Prevention is better than cure. It's better to prevent crime than
to take action only after the damage has been done. Tackling
crime effectively means making sure that investigation and
prosecution are conducted properly and that penalties are
enforced. But preventing crime is certainly no less
important.
Prevention can take a variety of forms. To start with, measures
can be taken to deter crime. For instance, buildings can be
protected against theft by making them more secure and by
organising neighbourhood patrols. The Public Prosecution Service
lends its support to efforts of this kind.
But prevention can also target potential offenders. For instance,
there are special projects in various parts of the country for
habitual offenders with a drug problem. These schemes are
generally run by the Public Prosecution Service, the police,
probation and after-care services and social services for
addicts. Offenders may choose between serving a term of
imprisonment or taking part in a rehabilitation programme under
strict supervision. Those who opt for the latter receive
assistance with accommodation and training.
Victims
One of the Public Prosecution Service's tasks is to protect the
interests of people who have suffered as the result of a crime.
On 1 April 1995 an Act of Parliament came into force which
strengthens their position. The Terwee Act focuses attention on
the plight of crime victims. The Public Prosecution Service, for
instance, is required to advise them on how to claim
compensation, and has to keep them informed of progress in the
case. It can also negotiate between the offender and the victim
to arrange compensation.
Miscellaneous
The Public Prosecution Service has other statutory duties, though
many take place behind the scenes. For instance, the Department
is responsible for supervising people committed to institutions
under the Psychiatric Hospitals (Compulsory Admissions) Act. If
necessary, a public prosecutor can apply to the court for a
compulsory admissions order in respect of an offender.
The Public Prosecution Service also has statutory duties under
the Burial and Cremation Act. Any death other than by natural
causes has to be investigated. In such cases, permission to
dispose of the body must be obtained from a public
prosecutor.