DSI: Dutch Police Special Operators

1 Dienst Speciale Interventies

The Dienst Speciale Interventies (DSI) is a mixed unit of the Dutch National Police Corps composed of special operators from both the police service and the armed forces. Officially, the unit responds to terrorism incidents and arrests dangerous individuals, but it also patrols high-risk urban areas as an armed quick-reaction force.

The Intervention Department (AI) and the Arrest Teams (AT) form the core of the unit. The unit recruits personnel for the Intervention Department mainly from the armed forces, who serve as the primary force in planned raids. Meanwhile, elite officers from the police force predominantly make up the Arrest Teams, which handle armed response and rapid deployments.

2 Motto, Symbols, Patches and History of the DSI

2.1 DSI Motto 

Prepareus Esto (Always Ready) is the official motto of the elite unit. Members of the Netherlands Maritime Special Operations Forces assigned to the unit go by the motto of Semper Paratus Pro Justitia (Always Ready for Justice). (Source) (Source)

2.2 DSI Symbols and Patches

The Dienst Speciale Interventie symbol is the same as the Dutch National Police, the diamond in the logo stands for a book of law and the ball with a flame stands for vigilance. During operations, the team members wear all gray patches with the unit logo. (Source) 

Operators that are active wear the same gray kit and equipment with police patches on their chests and backs, this applies to military personnel as well. Choice of color reflects the standardization of the uniform and fosters esprit de corps among police officers in blue and military personnel in green.

2.3 DSI History 

The Second Balkenende Cabinet established the Dienst Speciale Interventies in 2006 by merging multiple units with independent histories. This unification aimed to combine the specializations of both the police and the military to improve interoperability. (Source)

Operators came from: 

• Special Support Unit-Marines (Bijzondere Bijstandseenheid Mariniers) 
• Special Security Missions Brigade (Brigade Speciale Beveiligingsopdrachten)
• Arrest Teams (Arrestatieteam) of the Police Corps (Incorporated in 2013).

Since the Arrest Teams (AT) were placed under the command of the unit in later stages, the history of the departments varies according to the background.  The Intervention Department (AI) comes from the Special Support Unit-Marines (BBE). Netherlands first counterterrorism unit, composed of military personnel and created in response to the Munich Olympics attack.

2.3.1 Military History

The Special Support Unit-Marines (BBE) recruited operators from the Marine Corps. It stayed the prime national elite unit during three complete decades. It saw action during the seventies during a notorious train hijacking in the Netherlands. 

On 11 June 1977, special operators stormed a train that armed South Moluccan nationalists had held hostage since 23 May in the village of De Punt, located in the province of Drenthe. Six Royal Netherlands Air Force F-104 Starfighters buzzed the train as a diversion just before the assault. Six terrorists and two hostages were killed during the assault. (Source)

Following the creation of the Special Support Unit-Marines (BBE), officials created two units consisting of designated marksmen and support personnel.

1. The Special Support Unit Police (BBEP) 
2. Military Special Support Unit (BBEK). 

Both units joined the Expertise & Operational Support Division (AE&OO) of the Dienst Speciale Interventies (DSI) after its creation. Meanwhile, the Special Support Unit-Marines (BBE) changed its name to the Unit Intervention Marines (UIM). They became the primary workforce of the Intervention Department (AI). (Source)

2.3.2 Police History 

The Arrest Teams (AT) came into play at least seven years since the creation of the unit, when the Ministry of Justice acknowledge the need for a quick reaction force inside the elite police unit. Officials established Rapid Response Teams (RRT) to address this requirement, and they transferred the Arrest Teams (AT) of the Netherlands Police to the unit commands.

In the late 1960s, the State Police (Rijkspolitie) scrambled to respond to increasingly violent crime, leading to the development of these teams. The Arnhem Municipal Police were the first to establish a Special Assignments Group in 1969. Following this trend, national police districts developed similar groups, which eventually became known as Arrest Teams.

The Ministry of Justice and Security and the Ministry of the Interior wrote legislation which corroborated the founding of four teams within the Rijkspolitie. Laws included a regulation which stated that the special squadrons would require express permission from the public persecution to execute operations against armed suspects. (Source) (Source)

The reorganization of the Dutch National Police Corps restructured the Arrest Teams of the State Police into six interregional squadrons. Additionally, the Arrest Teams of the Brigade Speciale Beveiligingsopdrachten (BSB) of the Royal Marechaussee joined this new structure.

2.3.3 Final Merge 

After the final merge of the unit, the Arrest Teams (AT) became part of the Dienst Speciale Interventies (DSI) as the Arrest and Support Teams (AOTs). Since then, there have been three divisions within the DSI; the Arrest and Support Teams Division (AOTs), the Intervention Division (AI) and the Expertise & Operational Support Division (AE&OO), respectively. Within the DSI, the AOT Division accounts for roughly 80% of deployments

3 Organization of DSI

3.1 Chain of Command 

The Dienst Speciale Interventies falls under the command of the National Police Corps and the Ministry of Justice and Security as a civilian force, despite the presence of military members. 

3.2. Arrest and Support Teams (AOT)

The Arrest and Support Teams Department (Afdeling Arrestatie- en Ondersteuningteams) are the bread and butter of the local teams dedicated to organized crime and gang activity. These units normally deploy in teams of three to conduct surveillance on unmarked vehicles. Their function as a reaction force if the situations arise. Operators tasked with patrolling high risk locations fall under the Rapid Response Teams. (Source)

The Rapid Response Teams (RRT-DSI) deploy to specific areas of operations throughout the Netherlands and are usually the first unit to arrive at scene. “Normal operators not assigned to patrol duty conduct the arrests of high-risk individuals, as regular police personnel lack the training and equipment for such tasks.”

DSI/AOT has six regional squadrons residing under its command: 

1. Noord-Oost 
2. The Hague 
3. Zuid
4. Amsterdam 
5. Midden 
6. Rotterdam

While each team has its own area of operations, the teams can interchange and deploy outside their respective regions throughout the country. (Source) The Apprehension and Support Teams (AOTs) of the Brigade Speciale Beveiligingsopdrachten (BSB) of the Royal Marechaussee is provided to the Dienst Speciale Interventies (DSI) and partakes in all operations as well due to the complete interoperability. 

3.4 Intervention Department (AI) of the DSI

Afdeling Interventie (IA) is a mixed unit consisting of both police officers and military operators, which main tasks are to neutralize terrorist organizations and execute high risk operations. Almost one third of the team members come from the Netherlands Maritime Special Operations Forces (NLMARSOF) and also the Korps Commandotroepen of the Dutch Army (KCT). (Source)

Operators of these units are attached to the Intervention Department for a period of time and are required to complete the Arrest Teams and National Intervention courses before deploying as a police element. In addition to the planned raids, the squadron maintains regional bases that also serve as a quick reaction force to outgoing terrorist attacks or hostage situations. 

Normally, the Quick Reaction Force of the Intervention Department (AI-QRF) is bigger in numbers and more heavily equipped than Rapid Response Teams of the Arrest Teams (RRT-AAOT). People can distinguish between the two units by the heavy presence of weapon specialists in the first unit and also the mixture of tactical gear and civilian clothes in the second unit. 

3.5 Expertise and Operational Support Division (AE&OO) of the DSI

Specialists of the Expertise and Operational Support Division (Afdeling Expertise & Operationele Ondersteuning) enhance the operational capabilities of deployed operators. Members of these units range from drone pilots and additionally, hostage negotiators. Staff from the support division usually respond together with other operational elements, not on their own. Among the division specialist are also canine handles and designated snipers.

3.6 Unit Interventie Mariniers (MSquad)

The Netherlands Maritime Special Operations Forces (NLMARSOF), known as the M-Squad, is the unit tasked with domestic counterterrorism. Officially, it is not part of the Dienst Speciale Interventies (DSI) but it operates under its command on national deployments. “Civilian legislation issues the Basic Competence Certificate of Special Investigating Officer (BOA) to members of the military operating under its authority.”

The Dienst Speciale Interventies (DSI) considers the Unit Interventie Mariniers (UIM) as the ultimum remedium. Its operators normally perform the operations with the heaviest equipment and tactics available to the unit.  

The Marine Corps Surface Assault & Training Group is also part of the special squadron and specialize in the boarding and assault of maritime objects such as ships and oil rigs. (Source)

3.5 Recruitment and Training of the DSI

Candidates for the Arrest Teams (AT) must attend the same academy as the Netherlands Police rank and file before volunteering for the unit. Selection begins with a five-day test week, during which the aspirants engage in:

• physical tests
• case studies
• cooperation exercises

Various psychological components are also covered. Upon successful completion of the test week, psychological and also medical examination as well as a positive evaluation of the security screening, the aspirants may begin the program.  Once they hit the training pipeline, candidates are trained extensively in: 

• Small Arms
• Close Quarter Combat (CQB)
• Defensive Driving  

Marines detached to the Intervention Department (IA) undergo the complete training as well. 

3.5.1 Phase One/White Module 

Is a learning phase and lasts 4 weeks. Aspirants begin with:  

1. Driving Course; 
2. Shooting Procedures; 
3. Apprehension Techniques.

3.5.2 Phase Two or Grey Module 

Is considered a training module and lasts the rest of the pipeline. Exercises range from: 

1. Close Quarter Combat (CQC) proficiency in kill houses; 
2. Dynamic entries simulations on commercial aeroplanes;
3. Extensive training in de-escalation tactics. 

During this module, the aspiring operators will go to work within one of the arrest teams and participate in serious deployments under the supervision of a practical supervisor. Upon successful completion of this phase, candidates receive the blue beret and then also begin work as operators within one of the regional teams. 

Some candidates can also choose additional training in police specialities like trauma care or dog handling. Marines seconded to the Intervention Division (AI) also go through the same training despite their tactical background. This ensures standardized procedures between the police officers and the military operators. 

4 Equipment of the DSI

The Apprehension and Support Teams (AOT) and the Intervention Department (AI) have their own specific equipment, but share certain parts of the respective equipment. All operators working within the special forces system are required to wear grey tactical gear with police identifying patches in the front and also the back of the plate carrier. 

Operators also have patches of their call sign on the uniform or their helmets to facilitate mutual identification during deployments. Teams use a combination of letters and also numbers. This indicates the unit and role within the team on their helmets and sleeves.

The Dienst Speciale Interventies (DSI)I use both a light and heavy setup for special operations. While the light kit consist of high cut helmets and light plate carriers throwed over civilian clothing, the heavy setup is used for planned missions like raids or sieges. It consists of a heavy armor with thicker plates, as well as additional protective pieces in the neck and groin. 

Unlike the light kit, the heavier setup relies on heavy helmets with bulletproof visors as well as ear covers. This increases the protection of the officer in exchange for reduced mobility and limited vision. Operators deployed from the unit bases tend to uniform themselves (since they have more time) with tactical fleeces and combat pants in full gray. 

4.1 Weapons 

Both the AOT and IA team members use the SIG MCX as the main rifle in planned missions. Generally, said rifles are suppressed and fitted with state of the art optic sights. Other weapons available in the squadron armory include:

• HK 416 assault riffle
• HK417 battle rifle
• HK MP7 submachine gun
• HK MP5 submachine gun
• FN P90 submachine gun
• HK G28 designated marksman rifle
• Sako TRG sniper rifle
• Glock 17 standard service pistol
• Mossberg 500 breach shotgun
• Mossberg 500 riot control shotgun

4.2 Armor and Kit 

• Ops-Core FAST SF Super High Cut helmet
• Ulbrichts Zenturio  helmet 
• First Spear AAC plate carrier
• PVS-31 nigh vision googles 
• GPNVG-18 night vision goggles.

4.2 Unmarked Vehicles and Police Patrols

• Audi A4
• Audi A6
• Audi Q7
• BWM 3S
• BMW 5S
• BMW X5
• Mercedes-Benz C-Class
• Mercedes-Benz E-Class
• Mercedes-Benz GLE
• Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
• Mercedes-Benz Vito
• Škoda Superb
• Toyota Land Cruiser
• Volkswagen Passat
• Volkswagen Transporter
• Volvo S60

4.2 Personal Armored Carriers 

• Lenco Bears
• Lenco BearCat
• YPR-765 Aircraft Assault Vehicles

4.5 Aircraft 

• AgustaWestland AW139 helicopter

5 Tactical-Operational Information

5.1 Operations 

Most of the unit deployments are not made public, nevertheless, some of its operations receive significant public attention through media mentions or the public nature of a deployment. Some noteworthy operations of the Dienst Speciale Interventies (DSI) includes:

• Arrest of twelve terror suspects in Rotterdam on December 24, 2010.
• Arrest of one terror suspect in Rotterdam on March 27, 2016.
• Arrest of a hostage taker in Arnhem on May 3, 2017.
• Arrest of seven terror suspects in Arnhem and Weert on September 27, 2018.
• Arrest of four terror suspects in Rotterdam on December 29, 2018.
• Responding to a stabbing incident in The Hague on May 5, 2018. 
• Pursuing several criminals following an escape attempt from the penitentiary in Roermond on October 11, 2017. During a pursuit following this escape attempt, an armed suspect was shot dead by the team members

5.2 Core Purpose 

The Dienst Speciale Interventies (DSI) main task is to serve a rapid response tactical unit in the event of a terrorist attack or other type of violent disruption of public order and also security for which regular police are inadequately equipped. Also, it enables the armed forces to operate legally in domestic capacity against organized crime and terror threads. 

5.3 Tactics

5.3.1 Quick Response and Heavier Teams

All the team members operates within national jurisdiction, which means that the unit’s regional forces can be deployed in other areas of operations if the scenario requires it. Each operator works on a full-time basis to ensure the tactical readiness of the reaction squadrons. The Rapid Response Teams (RRT) three man patrols are always cruising the streets with tactical gear ready in unmarked vehicles, while the Arrest and Support Teams (AOTs) have six regional detachments on stand by in each area of responsibility.

The Afdeling Interventie (IA) keeps also a quick reaction force active at the main base, with more specialized equipment and heavier vehicles, like armored carriers and assault platforms. Rapid Response Teams (RRT) and the Arrest and Support Teams (AOTs) usually deploy as first responders, while the Quick Reaction Force (IA)  reacts to terrorist incidents that require heavier equipment and deploy from headquarters wearing standardized uniforms.

5.3.2 Incidents and Deescalation

At critical incidents, the deployment order to the heavier squadrons could be given by the National Operations Center. The Dienst Speciale Interventies usually have a commander monitoring incoming calls and alerts to the Netherlands Police Corps to assess possible mayor threats. Leaders elected into office can also request assistance from the unit to help curb civilian unrest or public disorder. (Source) 

Although the special operators are skilled in close quarters combat and fast-paced assaults, deescalation tactics is the standard procedure once the elite unit arrived at the scene. Operators have gained a repudiation through the Netherlands, so it’s not uncommon for the suspects to surrender once the unmarked vehicles and the gray kit arrive at the scene. 

Examples of said tactics can be found during a recent hostage situation in Ede that ended with the suspect in custody and the hostages alive. The Rapid Response Teams (RRT) arrived at the location and surrounded the suspect inside a nightclub. After seven hours, the main target of the special operation surrendered to the Afdeling Interventie (IA) reinforcement that arrived.

This mixture of a rapid deployable containment teams in the Arrest and Support Teams (AOTs) and a heavier detachment of force multipliers in the Afdeling Interventie (IA)  is the trademark tactic of the Dienst Speciale Interventies (DSI) for critical incidents like mayor terror attacks and active shooter situations. 

5.4 Personnel size 

The Dienst Speciale Interventies (DSI) have close to 600 active members in it operational roster. Most of the operators in the Arrest Teams (AT) comes from the Police Corps, while at least a third of the operators in the Intervention Department (IA) are assigned from military personnel. Members of military background serve in the unit during a short period of time, after their assignment, they are required to be reassigned to their former units in the armed forces. 

The Royal Marechaussee BSB (Brigade Special Security Tasks) is elite unit of the Military Police that can also operate as an Arrest and Support Team (AOT), boosting the operational numbers of the active officers. Since the gendarmerie operators come from a military police, they don’t need extra training to become an investigative officer, as they already are one. Despite the support and compatibility, the operators from the Royal Marechaussee Police are not counted statistically as Dienst Speciale Interventies active personnel. 

6 The Future

The Dienst Speciale Interventies (DSI) future will likely be shaped by several factors, including evolving threats, technological advancements, societal changes, and shifts in law enforcement practices. Here are some key considerations that may influence the unit’s trajectory:

6.1 Evolving Threats

As global terrorism and organized crime evolves, the elite unit will need to adapt its strategies and tactics to counter newer methodologies and ideologies.The rise of domestic extremism in the European Union or counter vigilance by the Mocro Maffia may require the unit to focus on different types of threats thath were previously unaddressed.

6.2 Cybersecurity Challenges

Criminal’s growing reliance on technology necessitates the integration of cybersecurity measures into the unit tactics. The Dienst Speciale Interventies (DSI) may need in a near future to collaborate with cyber units to prevent and respond to cyber-related threats that could lead to physical violence. Think of an Arrest and Support Team (AOT) using cyber assets to track down a suspect engaged in online recruiting for a terrorist organization.

6.3 Technological Advancements

Technology will sure play a part in the future of the teams. Advancements like drone signal jammers or counter thermal camouflage will eventually make the jump from military battlefields into organized crime. The Expertise and Operational Support Division (AE&OO) could soon be facing developed efforts from criminals and terrorist to counter the technological means of the operators during their deployments. Tech goes both ways, so it’s also probable that in the future, robotic units, like patrol dogs or unmanned vehicles, may be deployed for hazardous situations. 

6.3 Data Analytics and Intelligence Gathering

Leveraging big data and artificial intelligence will enable more sophisticated threat assessment and predictive policing. Enhanced intelligence-sharing platforms can improve coordination with other government agencies and international partners. Data is already in use inside the military to predict artillery patterns, so it would be not crazy to think of the elite unit using artificial intelligence in a near future to predict with statistics the pest patrol routes for the Rapid Response Teams (RRT) or the best breaching points for an Intervention Detachment (IA)

6.4 Legal Frameworks

The Dienst Speciale Interventies (DSI) is one of the units with best budget and institutional support in the National Police Corps. However, future internal restructuration or name changes cannot be ruled out, given the past of the unit. Netherlands police reforms have changed the names and structure of the Arrest Teams (AOTs) Special Support Unit-Marines (BBE) on repeated occasions. Operators may also need to navigate changes in regulations regarding technology usage or weapons handling. 

7 Conclusion 

The DSI acts as a pivotal entity, addressing high-stakes situations that regular police may not be equipped to handle. Its formation reflects a growing recognition of the complexities surrounding modern threats. Particularly in an era characterized by increasing terrorism and organized crime. Dual composition of personnel from the military and the police not only enhances its operational capabilities, but also fosters a collaborative approach that is essential in today’s multifaceted security landscape.

7.1 DSI Rapid Response Capacity

One of the primary strengths of the DSI is its rapid response capacity. The unit’s structure, divided into specialized teams such as the AI and the AT, ensures that it can effectively mobilize resources in a timely manner. Deployments of three-man patrols allows for swift engagement in high-risk urban areas, which is crucial when dealing with potential terrorist threats or violent disruptions. The presence of unmarked vehicles and tactical gear enhances the element of surprise, often leading to the peaceful resolution of situations before they escalate further.

The DSI’s operational readiness is bolstered by the full-time commitment of its personnel. This dedication to readiness ensures that the unit can respond effectively to both planned operations and unexpected incidents. The unit integrates specialized equipment and heavier vehicles, enabling it to handle situations that necessitate a greater level of force. This approach adheres to legal restrictions on the use of armed forces in domestic contexts.

A noteworthy aspect of the DSI’s methodology is its emphasis on de-escalation tactics. Despite the unit’s advanced training in close quarters combat, the preference for peaceful resolution underscores a commitment to minimizing harm. This approach helps maintain public trust in law enforcement agencies. The unit’s reputation often precedes it; suspects may choose to surrender upon the arrival of the operatives, reflecting the effectiveness of psychological deterrence in law enforcement.

Intelligence Cycle Fundamentals