Adaptive learning to boost digital readiness of the Dutch police

The project addresses an urgent societal challenge: how do we strengthen the cyber resilience of Dutch police basic teams (Basisteams)? Digitalisation now shapes almost every form of crime, from online fraud and social media activity to digital evidence and cyber-enabled offences. Yet digital skills, confidence and experience vary widely across police employees, teams and regions — officers may be uncertain about which digital information matters, how to interpret it, and what action to take.

To answer this challenge, the consortium combines scientific research with the development of practical training solutions. Rather than starting with a fixed training programme, Dr Vlachopoulos first aims to investigate the needs of Basisteams through a mixed-methods study: a digital survey and interviews with neighbourhood officers, team leaders and analysts will assess knowledge, applied skills, self-efficacy, experience of cyber-enabled incidents, motivation and learning preferences.

Dr Vlachopoulos: "This collaboration between RSM, Risbo, the Netherlands Police Academy and the Basisteams gives us a valuable opportunity to connect scientific evidence, educational design and frontline experience. Ultimately, we want the project to produce learning approaches that are effective enough to make a difference, but practical enough to be used and scaled within everyday police work."

The findings from this needs analysis will feed directly into co-creation sessions involving police professionals, trainers and researchers. "Translating research insights into workable training solutions is precisely where Risbo's expertise comes into play," reflects Joost Maarschalkerweerd, the coordinating consultant and trainer from Risbo. "It's incredibly rewarding to contribute to the learning of these professionals, and in doing so, to help create positive societal impact," he adds. Together, the partners aim to develop at least five compact learning interventions, including microlearning modules, scenario-based simulations, adaptive quizzes and AI-supported reflection activities.

When ready, the interventions will be piloted within the Basisteams and evaluated for changes in knowledge, confidence and motivation, with participating professionals helping to refine the materials through an empowerment-evaluation approach. Activities are designed to fit existing work routines such as briefings, shift handovers and team meetings, and the project's final phase will develop recommendations for implementation and scaling within police education and professional-development pathways.

"Our objective is not to create another generic digital-skills course," says Dr Vlachopoulos. "We want to understand actual needs, co-design solutions around operational reality, and rigorously evaluate what works."

For Risbo, the project connects directly to its broader mission: generating insights that form the basis of training programmes supporting professionals navigating an increasingly digitalized society — lifelong learning that extends well beyond university walls.

The progress of this project can be followed via LinkedIn.