A Dictionary of Dutchness

Marechaussee

The Koninklijke Marechaussee (military police) is a police organisation but has had the status of an independent military force since 1998. The organisation says it is the country’s visiting card because its employees control passports at Dutch airports and harbours, in international trains and (sometimes) at road borders. Visiting dignitaries are welcomed to the Netherlands by a line-up of military police in ceremonial dress. Along with border security, they are also charged with implementing immigration laws.