Investigating crime

The Public Prosecution Service orders the investigation of more serious crimes. The police, government, municipalities and judiciary work together to prevent and combat crime.

The local mayor, police and public prosecutor consult each other closely on crime. Informers can also play an important role in crime prevention: housing associations, fire services, energy suppliers, postmen and cleaning services sometimes come across illegal practices in their work. Members of the public can also play an important role.

Exchanging information on crime

Exchanging information is essential to combat organised crime. It helps the police, municipal services and national law enforcement authorities stop criminals moving from one municipality to another.

The Regional Information and Expertise Centres (RIECs) and the National Information and Expertise Centre (LIEC) collect information on crime in a region and inform the police and municipalities. The RIECs collect information and tips, analyse the information and advise municipalities and the police. Energy suppliers, the Labour Inspectorate and neighbourhood managers may all act as informants. The Research and Documentation Centre collects academic studies of organised crime.
Crime will be prevented by a national system to record organised crime. 

Risk analyses

Serious crime is increasingly shifting from drug dealing to human trafficking, and complicated financial arrangements are being used to buy expensive properties. Expertise Centres keep an eye on developments in serious crime and analyse the risks. The police and criminal justice authorities use risk analyses to prioritise their investigations and respond quickly.

Cooperation between the public and private sectors

The government works with businesses to prevent such crimes as shoplifting and smuggling. The police can also request information from telecom companies about, for example, where a mobile phone was used and who was called.

International cooperation

Crime does not respect borders. International and European intelligence services and police forces work closely together to tackle organised crime. Many countries have signed treaties with each other to investigate crimes and extradite criminals. For more information on international cooperation see our Issue Police.

National Crime Prevention Platform

The National Crime Prevention Platform (NPC) is an alliance between government and business. It prevents crime against businesses, such as retail crime, transport crime, vandalism in bars and restaurants, internal crime in businesses and acquisition fraud, and improves the security of smaller businesses.