The Dutch police force says it needs at least another €350 million a year to be able to carry out all its tasks to a proper standard but none of the parties have pledged  enough, calculations by the government think-tank CPB have shown.

Police are already shelving more criminal investigations because of a lack of time and personnel, according to figures obtained by current affairs show Pointer. Last year, at least 45,000 cases were closed without investigation – more than double the number in 2020.

In addition, more than 1,500 of the country’s 10,000 detectives are expected to retire in the coming years.

To fill the gaps, the police are recruiting from outside the force and introducing shorter training programmes. They also hope technology will make investigations more efficient.

The Christan Democrats earmarked just €200 million extra, while D66 has put aside the same amount for “security”. GroenLinks and SGP also budget €200 million but this includes funds for the public prosecution office.

BBB, NSC, ChristenUnie and Volt have not made any provision for extra funding and only JA21 and the VVD are prepared to spend more.

The VVD comes closest with €800 million to be spent on more police staff, and extra capacity for the security services but it is unclear how much of that will go to the police. The SP said it wants €1 billion more but did not have the figure checked by the CPB for feasibility.

“€350 million is the absolute minimum,” a police spokesman told broadcaster NOS in a reaction, while police unions said the lack of funds would mean “fewer policemen in the streets, and fewer cases being processed”.

The spokesman said the increased spending on defence is “understandable but we hope more attention will be paid to security within our borders”.