The Limburg police worked about 75,000 overtime hours last year. This was mainly due to demonstrations about the corona measures, but also protests against racism and the nitrogen policy.
Nationally, the corona riots, demonstrations and enforcement of corona measures have resulted in more than 800,000 overtime for the police. The price tag for this: 44 million euros.
Corona effect
The extra effort around corona was the biggest cause of overtime in 2021. “The police had to invest more time and energy in demonstrations,” says the Limburg police spokesperson. For example, there were corona protests in Venray, Venlo and Maastricht last year. “Corona has therefore also had an effect on us. There were also other demonstrations during that corona period. They also took time.”
Set things up differently
It was especially busy for police officers on the street, but investigations also had plenty to do if criminal offenses were committed during demonstrations, for example. The crowds have prevented the police from picking up some cases. “But most of them do,” emphasizes the spokesperson. “We had to arrange a number of things differently than we planned. But emergency aid was guaranteed at all times.”
Hours compensated
The hours that officers worked overtime have to be largely compensated. According to the police, it will take several years before that account is settled. Agents can have the extra hours paid out, or take extra free hours.
Incidentally, last year there was no increase in absenteeism due to illness at the police in Limburg.