DRIEBERGEN, 04/07/06 - The Dutch police have set up the International Police Cooperation Service (DINPOL). DINPOL will become the point of contact for foreign police services, including Interpol and Europol.

DINPOL is a merger of the Dutch Centre for International Police Cooperation (NCIPS) and the International Relations Department (DIB) of the national police force KLPD. The merger is intended to create clarity for the foreign police contacts and improve effectiveness.

DINPOL is part of KLPD, and about 200 people will work for the new organisation. Its main task is the exchange of information concerning cross-border crime and the coordination of requests for legal assistance.

DINPOL has Dutch liaison officers in various foreign capitals. These are also responsible for the coordination of Dutch peacekeeping missions abroad. In addition, they supervise Dutch projects for improving the police and judiciary systems in certain countries that have recently joined the EU.