Training for the prison sector

Rijksopleidingsinstituut tegengaan radicalisering, ROR

Originally, the National Coordinator for Security and Counterterrorism (Nationaal Coordinator Terrorisme en Veiligheid, NCTV) of the Ministry of Security and Justice was the owner of the training programme.

The Dutch National Training Institute against Radicalisation (Rijksopleidingsinstituut tegengaan radicalisering, ROR) was established in 2015. It adopted the original training programme of the NCTV. Since then, the ROR has expanded the scope of training modules and has continued to develop it (in close consultation with the NCTV).

New training modules have been added to the programme. The training modules are updated frequently (revised and adjusted to address the latest events and changing (social) contexts).

Type of Organisation: Governmental institution

The Dutch National Training Institute against Radicalisation (Rijksopleidingsinstituut tegengaan Radicalisering, ROR) creates awareness amongst first-line practitioners working for the government and semi-government. This is achieved by providing multiple training modules about the phenomena of radicalisation and (violent) extremism for professionals who work with or might encounter people who are either radicalised or at risk of radicalisation. 

We offer two types of training for professionals:

1. A one-day basic training programme in which participants learn about the trigger factors, the importance of adolescence, the signs of radicalisation and how to interpret these. We strive to increase knowledge about possible signs of radicalisation amongst employees who are in direct contact with detainees. Participants (professionals) are not required to have any background knowledge prior to the training.
2. In-depth specialised trainings on multiple topics (one day or multiple days) for participants to increase their knowledge about radicalisation and extremist organisations in the Netherlands. They also gain insight into the chain partners and reporting structures. Professionals are allowed to take part in the in-depth training program once they have completed the one-day basic training.

Although the abovementioned training programme has originally been developed for the Dutch prison sector, it is now offered to a broad range of public sector professionals that (could) encounter radicalised persons or those at risk of being radicalised. The list of public sectors include Dutch municipalities, social welfare organisations, child protection services, youth workers,  mental healthcare professionals, immigration agents and professionals working within the judicial branch/law enforcement and so on.

The curriculum consists of a wide range of different modules that are distinguished/specified based on a particular theme or domain/profession or skill. For instance, we offer in-depth training about Islamic extremism (religious radicalisation) and about right-wing and left-wing extremism. We also offer a two-day training programme for mental healthcare professionals focussing on radicalisation and (violent) extremism. As specified above, professionals may participate in these in-depth training sessions after completing the one-day basic training programme. This ensures they have a certain entry level of knowledge. 

Currently, the development of an additional specific training module is nearing completion. The focus is on the phenomenon and rise of so-called “lone actors” (Potentieel Gewelddadige Eenlingen, PGE-training).

Some professionals experience what we describe as “professional shyness” when working with or addressing people who are radicalised or at risk of radicalisation (think of individuals with a change in worldview, commitment in their ideology and/or religious beliefs). Therefore, the overall purpose of our training modules is as follows:

• Create and/or increase awareness about the phenomenon of radicalisation (including its scope and current threat level) and increase knowledge about the infrastructure for reporting suspicions within prisons.
• Make professionals aware of their personal opinions regarding radicalisation and how these opinions may affect their behaviour (for example, being judgemental).
• Highlight personal competences and skills and demonstrate how these can be used/operationalised in practice. The training modules contribute to a decrease in reluctancy amongst professionals working with radicalised subjects in prison, contributing to a decrease in “professional shyness”.

A general and recurring focus within all training modules is on increasing professional skills through signalling and interpreting radicalisation, intercultural communication, stakeholder approach and highlighting information sharing networks/structures. The latter is key since radicalisation is often a dynamic and non-linear process.

Our trainers are hired on a freelance basis and are all professionals with several years of professional experience in different fields and disciplines. They have thorough knowledge of issues related to radicalisation and extremism. 

During the training, a PowerPoint presentation, several short film fragments (to illustrate certain phenomena) and interactive training exercises are utilised, sometimes in conjunction with an actor. In addition, participants receive a workbook with additional information. After participants have completed the training, they receive an overview of the most important information that was discussed during the training. They can download a certificate of completion as well.

All training modules consist of face-to-face classroom meetings. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, we offer online training modules as well. Currently, we are looking into developing specific E-learning programmes and information-chunks that enable participants to review additional information at home and/or combine in-person training and online learning.

Contact person: Annechris Koebrugge, training developer ROR
Telephone: (+31) (0) 88 07 27060 | (+31) (0) 6 52 79 9330
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