The formation of a national force from January 1 is helping the police to review its involvement with television reality shows based on crime and bad drivers, the Volkskrant reports on Thursday.

Until now, the 26 individual forces have all been responsible for their own policies but the new national body wants more influence on the plethora of formats and programmes, the Volkskrant says.

‘We’ve made an inventory of all the current and new media requests and have come up with 41 programmes, ranging from documentaries, reality shows and well-estabished programmes like Wegmisbruikers (literally, road abusers), spokesman Rob Luijten told the paper.

The fact so many shows take the same approach means viewers may have the impression police do nothing ‘but chase fast cars’, Luijten said. ‘We have to do it differently. “Good tv” can no longer be an argument. Our involvement has to be useful and contribute to our reputation.’