Fact check: What is the organisational structure of the Dutch DSI (Dienst Speciale Interventies)?

1. Summary of the results

The DSI (Dienst Speciale Interventies) has a clearly defined organizational structure consisting of three main departments, with a fourth unit operating under its command in specific situations:

• Arrest and Support Teams Department (A-AOT): Contains six regional teams and handles approximately 80% of all DSI deployments ^[1]
• Intervention Department (AI): A mixed unit of law enforcement and military operators ^[2]
• Expertise and Operational Support Department (AE&OO): Provides operational support ^[2]
• Unit Intervention Marines (UIM)/M-Squadron: While technically not part of DSI, it operates under DSI command during national deployments ^[3]

The organization employs approximately 600 active personnel comprising both police and military personnel ^[2].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

Several important contextual elements were not addressed in the original question:

• The current structure was established on July 1, 2006, and underwent significant reorganization in 2013 when regional Arrest Teams were integrated ^[2]
• The DSI is a mixed organization, combining both police and military personnel, which makes it unique in its operational capability ^[3]
• The Arrest and Support Teams (AOT) division handles the vast majority (80%) of all deployments, indicating that despite the complex structure, most operations are handled by one department ^[1]

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question was neutral and seeking information, but there are some potential areas of confusion that should be addressed:

• While some sources list four main departments ^[2], others emphasize three primary departments ^[1], which could create confusion. This discrepancy is explained by the fact that the UIM/M-Squadron is not officially part of the DSI but operates under its command during specific situations ^[3]
• The term "organizational structure" might suggest a simple hierarchy, but the reality shows a complex integration of civilian and military components, with different units having varying degrees of autonomy and integration ^[3]

This organizational structure serves to balance the needs of both routine law enforcement operations and more specialized military-style interventions, reflecting the dual nature of the DSI's mission and capabilities.