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Lectoraat Bestuur, Veiligheid en Ondermijning

Governance, Security and Undermining

Professorship
Criminals profit from drug addiction or fraudulent healthcare, exploit migrant workers, invest in real estate or businesses, and entice or coerce people, including the young, into committing criminal offences. The term “undermining” refers to this damage. The Governance, Security and Undermining professorship investigates subversive practices and the administrative and integrated approach to them. The geographical focus is on Northern Netherlands. 

The undermining effects of large-scale organised crime are felt at a local level. Tackling this requires measured, integrated efforts, with local authorities and mayors playing a key role. For local government, undermining is more than just a security priority. It is a municipal task to ensure that things run smoothly, whether through a helping, corrective or firm hand.   

In addition to focus at a municipal level, networking is also required between municipalities, between levels of government (central government, provinces, municipalities) and with public and private bodies. The police, the judicial authorities and the RIEC work closely with the administration.   

Over the past ten years, investments have been made in tackling undermining crime. However, the balance sheet, both in practice and in the literature, shows that reinforcement is needed. The professorship contributes to this. It combines practice-oriented academic research and education. It builds on recent studies into undermining in Groningen City (2022), Groningen Ommeland (2023), Leeuwarden (2023) and the province of Fryslân (2024).   

Our mission 

The professorship conducts research into undermining practices and how to tackle them, as a step towards making realistic recommendations. It focuses on the northern Netherlands. To this end, it collaborates with policymakers and professionals within local government, the police, the justice system and security partners. Knowledge is used in teaching students, policymakers and professionals. 

Who we are 

The professorship is part of the Thorbecke Academy and was established in February 2026 with the appointment of Dr Edward van der Torre as professor.  

Edward van der Torre, Ondermijning

Edward van der torre

professor Governance, Security and Undermining

Research approach 

Research into undermining combines the fields of criminology and public administration. This means that knowledge about and empirical research into undermining practices (criminology) form the basis for practical advice on the organisation and content of the approach (public administration). This can focus on specific locations (e.g. business parks or vulnerable neighbourhoods) and on specific cases, such as healthcare fraud. It is based, among other things, on observations and conversations on site, as well as interviews and working visits. In our research, we “roam” through the hierarchy, from executive professionals (with street information) or conversations with (active) residents to senior civil servants and administrators.   

An accessible overview study on the approach to undermining analyses the important governmental and non-governmental tasks for the coming decade. This study will be published in late 2026/early 2027. The analysis will be linked to educational development.             

Research projects 

The following projects will be launched in 2026: 

  • Research into the Prevention with Authority approach in Leeuwarden East. 

  • Research into the Frisian approach to undermining. 

  • An analysis of local investigations by, among others, the Groningen police (money laundering, drug crime) in the so-called HIT team (commissioned by Police & Science, in collaboration with the North Netherlands police unit). 

  • Drawing up a framework for action to tackle healthcare fraud (for the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations). 

  • In 2026, Pieter Tops and Edward van der Torre will write a completely revised version of their book “Undermining. On the practical meaning of an analytical concept” (Boom, 2024). To be published in late 2026 or early 2027. 

Collaboration partners 

The professorship collaborates with the Ministry of Justice and Security, the northern provinces and municipalities, the North Netherlands police unit, the justice system, the North Netherlands RIEC, environmental services, the Security Campus, and knowledge institutions. 

Publications

Below is a selection of publications by the professor.

Sustainable Development Goals

This professorship contributes to...