Policy & Civic Health · Indicator 5
Relationship with law enforcement
What this indicator asks
What is the relationship between Amsterdam's nightlife scene and the police? Are some communities treated differently, and how has this changed?
not scored
A total of 59% of survey respondents in Amsterdam say the police would be helpful if something went wrong. Venue staff score higher, at 83%.
An expert described a positive relationship with the police, but expects it to differ by who you are:
“I think there is a positive relationship between police and nightlife community, I think police has made significant steps to also understand where we’re coming from and what we need… I’m pretty sure that people of colour have a very different experience with law enforcement. I’m pretty sure that also the queer community will have a different experience with law enforcement.”
Another expert said police raids on venues “really doesn’t happen”, except where an event has no permit. This expert said noise complaints go first to the city, not to the police.
After an incident, the police and hospitals do not report back to the club, so venues cannot fully understand what happened. One expert said this limits trust, but gives people anonymity. Another expert proposed continuing regular talks between nightlife, the police and security companies.