By expanding preventive powers, the Dutch criminal justice system is increasingly aimed at detecting risky people and groups as soon as possible. This so-called actuarial justice is accompanied by a great deal of discretionary power in the hands of those who have to enforce the law, bearing the risk that such powers may be carried out (in part) on the basis of generalizations relating to race, ethnicity, religion or nationality instead of on the basis of individual behavior and/or objective evidence. By presenting the results of an exploratory study into the perceptions of minorities with regard to racial profiling, the main conclusion of this article is that there is a clear necessity for further empirical research into this area.

There are many situations in which people with a learning disability encounter law enforcement. Early recognition of their learning disability by police and justice authorities is necessary to ensure an appropriate manner of communication and handling that takes into account their limitations and abilities. Yet, without special knowledge, it is not easy to recognize the learning disability, especially if the limitations of the disability are mild. Diagnosing a learning disability requires taking into account several aspects, and a simply determination of the IQ is definitely insufficient. This article deals with the specific characteristics of people with a learning disability in their contacts with the police and the justice system. Furthermore recommendations are given as to how to interrogate them in a respectful and correct way.

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.

For several years nonviolent substance abusing offenders in the United States of America and in the United Kingdom are tried by a specific Drug Court, in which the judge, the prosecutor, the probation officer and a case manager work together to help substance abusing offenders breaking the cycle of addiction and recidivism. Treatment and rehabilitation are the main goals of the Drug Courts. This article considers the benefits and traps of the introduction of the Drug Courts in The Netherlands.