Samenvatting

Due to the present political discussion concerning the formalisation of police performance (so-called performance contracts), this article looks into the effects of these contracts on the actions of community policemen. The results are based on interviews and observations. Not so much the line of policy, but the social interactions that occur between officers and citizens influence the discretionary actions of community policemen. In addition, the policeman’s state of mind, experience and the severity of the consequences of the offender have a relevant impact on work performance and the decision to fine or not. Merely the performance contracts produce little effect on the enforcement of community policemen.