They are mainly designed to transfer energy to their target more efficiently than the standard 9mm does. In crowded areas the police want to avoid shooting any bystanders as a result of overpenetration. The rounds are also very effective tire punchers.
The green tipped version has been in use with the Dutch police for many years, being superseded by a slightly improved version with an orange tip, the 'Action NP' round.
The brass alloy, being somewhat denser, does tend to wear out the barrels quicker. This triggered a faster replacement of the current police pistol, the Walther P5. It's replacement will be the Walther PPQ-NL, the first guns were issued only a short while ago.
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