“The young people have back numbers and we are those who take the back numbers,” says traffic agent Arjan. “They have to visit places to get a stamp and we try to prevent that.”
Contact with the youth
He continues: “We do it to get in touch with the young people and just having a nice day. The police are often seen as the bogeyman and young people do not dare to approach us. We want to show that it is possible.”
That appeals more easily in the sequel, he explains. “We also have the neighborhood agents here and they would like to have contact with the youth. If young people have had a negative experience with us, it is difficult. But if you have had this and you see us the next day:” Hey, I have run away for you! “