Samenvatting

The Dutch police has a long tradition regarding the development of diversity policies. Although these policies also deal with issues concerning gender, (homo)sexuality, the position of the elderly and chronically ill or invalid employees, this contribution mainly focusses on diversity regarding the ethnic background of police officers and particular aspects of crime and safety within Dutch multi-ethnic society. First of all a brief historical (1950s till present) overview is presented of ideas and projects regarding this aspect of diversity. Furthermore a shift in focus is presented: diversity used to be a social issue and nowadays it is understood as a business issue. The difference between these two is explained and discussed. Finally some suggestions are made concerning future research.