Stichting Maatschappij en Veiligheid

Description

Stichting Maatschappij en Veiligheid, SMV, is an independent Dutch think tank working on societal safety in the broadest sense. It offers both solicited and unsolicited advice on issues in that field. Because it operates independently of existing positions and interests, it aims to set the agenda. It brings innovative angles and approaches that can move difficult issues closer to a solution.

Its orientation is practical, aimed at strengthening operational practice and the policy or strategic steps needed to support it. The foundation was established in 1986 under the name Stichting Maatschappij en Politie, SMP. It initially focused on police-related topics, modelled on the Police Foundation in England. In 1996 the concept of safety, Veiligheid, was added to its name, becoming Stichting Maatschappij, Veiligheid en Politie, SMVP.

Its work had broadened beyond policing to cover the growing number of bodies involved in societal safety, such as special investigating officers, supervisors and private security staff. Since December 2012 it has operated under its current name, Stichting Maatschappij en Veiligheid, reflecting a broader mission covering safety in the widest sense. The organisation is based in The Hague and is governed by an unpaid board. It publishes an annual financial report and produces a knowledge base, expert group activities, an award called Penning voor Burgermoed, and a publication prize.