Education Organisation Olivia Kramers sworn in as Director of Education at the Netherlands Police Academy Written on Tuesday, September 9, 2025 Olivia Kramers was recently sworn in as Director of Education and Deputy Director of the Police Academy. The installation ceremony at the Police Academy’s Apeldoorn Campus was conducted by Monique Vogelzang, Director General for Police, on behalf of the Minister of Justice and Security. The ceremony was livestreamed to all the other campuses of the Police Academy. The swearing-in ceremony was held in the atrium of the Police Academy and was opened by Leonard Kok, Director of the Police Academy. ‘At the start of the year, I felt a little bit despondent: how could we ever find a successor for Kathelijne van Kammen?’, Leonard said. ‘But now I can announce that we have more than succeeded! We’ve found someone with a degree in educational sciences, many years’ experience in the police organization, and many years’ experience in educational administration. Olivia is the perfect fit for this job!’ Leonard Kok hands over the tree to Olivia Kramers Sustainable development When new colleagues are sworn in at the Police Academy, they have traditionally always been given a bouquet of flowers. But with sustainability in mind, from now on they will be presented with a small tree instead. Olivia was the first person to receive a tree, presented to her by Leonard. ‘An apple tree for you – to help you to work sustainably on your further development within the Police Academy.’ Monique Vogelzang, Director General for Police, then proceeded to swear Olivia in. ‘I am delighted you are here’, Monique addressed Olivia. ‘With your knowledge, experience, and above all your personality, we gain a valuable colleague who can make an important contribution to the further development of police education.’ The management of the Netherlands Police Academy: Leonard Kok, Olivia Kramers and Manon Bodoux Challenges ‘The Netherlands Police and the Police Academy together face several sizable and complex challenges’, Monique continued. ‘Society is changing; we live in dynamic times. This places high demands on the adaptability of both the police and the Police Academy. Moreover, we must recruit and train large numbers of new police officers – in a highly competitive labour market. But we must also make stark choices to ensure the continuity of the police’s core business.’ ‘It’s clear there’s plenty of work to be done. I am convinced that you, as Director of Education, will be an important addition to the Police Academy’s directorship team. And I also know you’ll enjoy it. Because this is an incredible job! At an amazing institution, which ensures that police employees are well trained and can stand firm when it matters. I wish you a hugely enjoyable and successful time.’ Puzzle pieces falling into place For Olivia, this was her second time being sworn in. Earlier in her career she already worked for the police for twelve years, in various managerial roles. For the last ten years she was active in the field of education, at HKU in Utrecht and at Fontys Academy of the Arts. ‘Being sworn in is always a very solemn and honourable moment. It gives me a sense of the responsibilities I’m taking on. And I am determined to shoulder those responsibilities.’ ‘The best job in the whole country – that’s how it feels to me’, Olivia went on. ‘Sometimes there are moments when all the pieces of the puzzle seem to fall into place. This is that kind of moment: I love the police organization and have a passion for education, learning, development, and research. So it all comes together perfectly in this place! And what makes it even better is the combination of tasks facing the Police Academy. We have to make sure there are enough police officers, in an optimal decision-making constellation between the police, local government, and the Ministry. And another task: how can we keep pace with all the changes in society? It’s up to us to prepare police officers for today’s world… and tomorrow’s.’