Organisation Police Academy climbing on the diversity ladder Written on Monday, November 24, 2025 The Netherlands Police Academy has taken steps in the areas of diversity and inclusion. This is one of the outcomes of the “Advisory Report on Diversity and Inclusion” which was prepared by researchers Semiha Denktas and Rutger Engels, and commissioned by the Netherlands Police. The researchers used a five-stage model. The stages indicate how mature an organisation is in the areas of diversity and inclusion. The Police Academy is now on the second rung of this ladder. This means that the subject is being addressed in various places, but that the effects are not yet visible everywhere. The researchers focused on what is already being done in the areas of diversity and inclusion. They studied policy documents and talked to several staff members. They could see that the Police Academy had already climbed a step up, but that there is still more work to be done. Fortunately, they also gave recommendations on how to improve. At the heart of the Police Academy According to Leonard Kok, director of the Police Academy, it is important that this research was carried out. ‘Diversity and inclusion are about a safe learning and working environment and about Article 1 of the Dutch Constitution, which stipulates that every person in the Netherlands must be treated equally and that discrimination on any ground whatsoever is not permitted. This principle lies at the heart of the Police Academy’, said Leonard. ‘We therefore need to know how we are doing in this respect. To know what’s going well and what can or must be improved.’ Recommendations for the short and long term The researchers made a number of recommendations. For the long term, for example, they recommend measuring the results of diversity and inclusion initiatives more effectively, and freeing up more time and funds for policy and training. In the short term, they see opportunities in: more inclusive teaching materials; more attention on diversity during lessons; increasing awareness of the subject. Follow-up steps Leonard Kok believes that getting started with the recommendations is a collective task. ‘It begins with our own behaviour. However, we will also need to take steps as an organisation, because becoming a diverse and inclusive organisation takes a conscious effort.’ The Executive Board of the Police Academy is currently reviewing what steps to take to reach the next level. A decision will be made in the second half of December.