Less police violence at Het Houtsche in 2021

Last year, the police drafted fourteen reports for acts of violence against police officers in Beernem, Oostkamp and Zedelgem. “That is a lot less than the corona year 2020 when 20 PVs were registered. In 2019, that number was a lot higher with 36 PVs,” ​​says municipal and police councilor Lode Vanneste from Beernem.

“Nevertheless, these figures should not distract us from the heavy pressure that the police of Het Houtsche regularly experience. In addition, we have to be careful with these numbers. Some lighter offenses are not always prosecuted because they are hardly prosecuted”.

Cooperation region Tielt

N-VA therefore advocates investing in bodycams. These are small cameras that agents wear on their bodies to record the interactions. “More operational services are now using this type of camera. In this way they want to reduce violence against police officers. It also ensures that the facts are correct during a possible investigation,” says Vanneste.

The police zone has meanwhile said that it is considering the use of the technology. It is possible that Het Houtsche will collaborate with the Tielt Region police zone for this.

In July, the police college will consider the new investment plan for the next three years.