This is according to the study’Learning from demonstrating:An investigation into new ways of demonstrating and what they mean for police deployment and approach’ by Bureau Beke and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, to which police sociologist Jaap Timmer of VU Amsterdam collaborated.
The vast majority of demonstrations are peaceful: 97 per cent remain without violence. Yet, according to the researchers, the dynamics have become more erratic, complex and less predictable. Rather than completely new groups, there are new ways of demonstrating. Decentralised organisation, mobilisation through social media, rapid scaling-up and hybrid forms of action - ranging from peaceful demonstrations to disruptive motorway blockades - are putting existing police and administrative practices under pressure.
Broad research into changing demonstration landscape
The study provides broad and systematic insight into recent developments surrounding demonstrations and large-scale disturbances. The central question is: what changes do we see in the demonstration landscape, who are the groups involved, what does this mean for police and competent authorities and how can this be successfully anticipated in the future?
For the study, the researchers combined literature review, media analysis, 75 expert interviews, a secondary analysis of police records and a national survey among 874 ME officers. In addition, case reconstructions were made and demonstrations observed. This, according to the researchers, creates an integrated picture of protesters, disorderly persons and the administrative and police dealings with them.
One of the findings is that peaceful demonstrations are regularly "hijacked" by groups bent on confrontation or violence. Among arrested suspects, young adult males dominate; a significant proportion are previously known to the police.
Police experience demonstrations as heavier and less predictable
The survey among ME officers shows that recent demonstrations are perceived by them as heavier, less predictable and more mentally demanding. Respondents also signalled action embarrassment, for example due to legal uncertainty, framing and doxing.
According to many officers interviewed, existing police strategies do not sufficiently match the new reality. The report therefore advocates a reassessment of strategy and deployment. Not more blue on the streets, but what the researchers describe as "smart and communicative blue": early contact with demonstrators, better information positions and more flexible deployment of enforcement networks and flex-ME.
Field of tension for mayors
Administratively, the situation also appears to be becoming more complex. According to the study, mayors operate in a field of tension between the constitutional right to demonstrate and their responsibility for public order. Differences in interpretation and application of powers lead to divergent decision-making practices.
The researchers therefore identify a need for more uniform guidelines, better information provision and strengthening of administrative expertise.
Recommendations for police and administration
The report makes several recommendations to better deal with changing demonstration practices. For instance, the researchers call for better and earlier information gathering and clarification, stronger communicative and preventive strategies and the development of a national assessment framework for complex demonstrations.
In addition, they advise investing in training and support for mayors and AOVs and also to stimulate demonstrators’ awareness of their social responsibility and their rights and obligations.
Democratic fundamental right central
At the same time, the research emphasises that demonstrating remains a fundamental fundamental right. According to the researchers, guaranteeing this requires a nuanced and context-sensitive approach in which freedom and safety remain in balance.
Only then will demonstrating remain possible: not as a battleground, but as an expression of democratic involvement and as a means of advocacy.