This is a revised version of a paper by Auke van Dijk, Strategic Advisor, Dutch Police Service, Frank Hoogewoning, General Secretary, Police Education Council, The Hague and Maurice Punch, Senior Visiting Fellow, London School of Economics which was originally published in the Belgian-Dutch quarterly Cahiers Politiestudies.

The authors examine the impact of private sector management approaches to policing which have driven waves of reorganisation and downsizing in frontline services. This paper examines what matters in policing, rather than just what works. It argues for a sound, solid and accountable policing that is close to the public which should be achieved through engaged leadership and motivated staff.