What can I do if the police will not record my crime report?
Dutch police must record a report of a criminal offence. First ask whether your report is actually being refused or whether an appointment or different reporting method is needed. Record the reason and, if necessary, request a complaint review.
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Detailed explanation, checklist and sources
On this page
1. Distinguish refusal from a different next step
This page concerns reporting crime to the police in the European part of the Netherlands. Providing information, making a formal report and a decision not to investigate are different matters. Being asked to book an appointment does not automatically mean refusal. Ask what will be recorded and what you still need to do.
2. Explain what you want to report
Describe events in order: what happened, where, when and who was involved. Say that you want to make a formal report of a suspected offence. A civil dispute is not automatically criminal; the specific facts need assessment. You do not need to identify a criminal-code provision yourself.
3. Ask for reasons and a specific appointment
Ask why the report is not being recorded and through which channel or when it can be. Discuss an appointment on 0900-8844. If you do not understand Dutch sufficiently, request an interpreter; an interpreter arranged by the police for the report is free. Call 112 in immediate danger.
4. Keep your facts and documents
Note the date, police station, contact person and explanation. Keep messages, photographs and any earlier reference numbers; do not alter original files. After reporting, request a copy or written confirmation. Have factual errors corrected promptly and keep the correspondence.
5. Make a complaint if necessary
If you still believe the refusal is unjustified, use the official police complaints form or send a signed letter to the police chief of the relevant unit. Include contact details, date, place, what happened and your desired outcome. For example, request an explanation and an opportunity to report the crime. The complaints handler assesses the circumstances.
6. Choose the right route if no investigation follows
If the report was recorded but is not being investigated, ask why; you can write to the public prosecutor about this. An OM decision not to prosecute has a different route: a complaint to the Court of Appeal may be possible. Have the letter, date and applicable procedure assessed. Do not assume a general six-week objection period or wait for a conduct complaint to finish if a deadline is stated.
What can I include in my own complaint?
Draft opening: “On [date], I wanted to report [brief factual description] at [station/channel]. I was told [explanation]. Please review this contact and tell me how I can have my report recorded.” Add your details, relevant attachments and your signature if sending a letter. Check the draft yourself; this website sends nothing.
Documents to prepare
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Incident, date and location
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For each event, note the date, what happened and where the evidence is kept. Example: 3 October — letter received — correspondence folder.
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For example: which document is missing, who can provide it and what should I do first?
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- Incident, date and location
- Why you suspect a criminal offence
- Police station and contact dates
- Officer’s name or role
- Exact reason and suggested alternative
- Messages, photographs and reference numbers
- Desired outcome and any urgency
- Decisions received and stated deadlines
Sources
Need personal assistance? Request a lawyer through our chat. We explain the next step; submitting a request does not engage a lawyer. The links below support the legal information.
Politie · Aangifte intrekken ↗Politie · Klachtdelict ↗Rijksoverheid · Rechten van slachtoffers ↗Politie · Klacht indienen ↗Sources may be in Dutch. General information about Dutch law, not individual legal advice.