Maatschappelijke onrust en de toekomst van bewaken en beveiligen

Social unrest and the future of surveillance and protection In this contribution, the authors outline current threats against politicians and policymakers in the Netherlands and consider it unlikely that these threats will decrease in the coming years. Subsequently, they describe the development of the protection and surveillance framework into a new framework. The authors recognize the significant pressure on this frameworks’ capacity and regard it as a last resort for threats that they consider unacceptable. This requires a twofold response: on the one hand, investing in the frameworks’ capacity, and on the other hand, reducing the threat. It is commendable that the Public Prosecution Service sets boundaries and that individuals who pose threats are being punished. At the same time, the authors emphasize the importance of public support for our representatives and policies to deal with the threat itself.