Judicial Documentation System for Amsterdam Residents

Judicial Documentation System for Amsterdam Residents

The Judicial Documentation System (JDS) is the national database where the Dutch justice system records criminal offenses and judicial antecedents of individuals, including residents of Amsterdam. This system plays a crucial role in checks such as the Certificate of Conduct (VOG), for example for jobs with the Municipality of Amsterdam or local employers. The JDS maintains records of convictions, non-prosecution decisions, and penalty transactions, which is relevant for Amsterdam residents applying for jobs, rental housing, or permits.

What does the Judicial Documentation System mean for Amsterdam?

Managed by the National Judicial Documentation System (LJDS) of the Ministry of Justice and Security, the JDS registers judicial information on Dutch nationals and foreigners who come into contact with the justice system in the Netherlands – and thus also in Amsterdam. This confidential database is accessible to police, the Public Prosecution Service (OM), the Amsterdam District Court, and other authorities, but not to the public.

In addition to full criminal cases, the JDS also includes penalty transactions (such as fines without trial) and non-prosecution decisions (sepot) (suspension of prosecution). For Amsterdam residents, this is important when assessing recidivism in a vibrant city with heavy traffic and many events, or for suitability for roles in security or hospitality.

Legal basis of the JDS

The JDS falls under the Police Data Act (Wpg), which replaced the old Judicial and Police Data Act as of 1 January 2015. Relevant provisions include:

• Article 4 Wpg: Judicial data as police information on suspects, convicts, or victims.
• Articles 16-22 Wpg: For processing, storage, and access to documentation.
• Article 35 GDPR: Ensures lawful and proportionate processing of personal data.

Retention periods are set out in the Police Data Retention Periods Decree, ranging from 2 to 40 years depending on the severity of the offense.

How does the JDS work in practice?

Data enters the JDS as soon as someone is a suspect in a criminal case. Police, the OM, and the Amsterdam District Court forward information to the LJDS, linked to a unique judicial documentation number (JDN) based on name, date of birth, and address.

Amsterdam authorities consult the JDS for:

1. VOG screening for job applications, e.g., with the Municipality of Amsterdam.
2. Recidivism checks following repeated incidents in the city.
3. Residence or work permits for expats in Amsterdam.

It integrates with systems such as the police HIS (Recognition and Information System).

What data is in the JDS?

Only judicial notifications are recorded. Overview:

Children under 12 are not registered; young people have shorter periods.

Rights and obligations regarding the JDS

Your rights as an Amsterdam resident:

• Access: Request your 'personal statement' from Justis (€20-€30). Assistance via Amsterdam Legal Aid Desk.
• Correction: Rectify errors with the LJDS or court (art. 41 Wpg).
• Deletion: Automatic after retention period.

Obligation: Be honest in VOG applications; lying is punishable.

Practical examples from Amsterdam

Example 1: Jan from Amsterdam-West pays a €400 penalty transaction in 2015 for a small cannabis grow. It remains in the JDS for 5 years. When applying for a taxi driver job in 2022, it blocks his VOG; he seeks advice from the Amsterdam Legal Aid Desk.

Example 2: Sara's non-prosecution decision for shoplifting in the Kalverstraat (identity mix-up) stays in the JDS for 5 years. During a rental check in Oost, the landlord refuses; she requests access and correction.

Example 3: An Amsterdam finance company screens via VOG; JDS shows old fraud (20-year retention), leading to dismissal.

Link to criminal record and VOG

The JDS is the core of your criminal record. A VOG is issued if the JDS shows no objections. More info in Criminal Record and VOG.

Frequently Asked Questions