The police expect more injuries and more fires on New Year’s Eve because more fireworks have been purchased and will be lit, but have “no signals” that New Year’s Eve will be any different than usual. There are no signs of major unrest or of groups consciously wanting to turn against the police.
This was stated on Monday morning by Paul Entken, the national New Year’s commander of the National Police, and the police fireworks coordinator, Ko Minderhoud.
The average consumer does not know which world he is entering
“We realize that it will be a special New Year’s Eve because it is the last time that fireworks may be used legally,” says Entken, based on information. “But not many different things than in other years.” A national fireworks ban will come into effect next year – if three conditions are met, including compensation for the industry – which will prohibit consumers from lighting fireworks other than sparklers and crackers.
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Police have “strongly advocated” for the ban, which was passed by parliament in the summer. According to Minderhoud, fireworks “play a major role in the atmosphere of lawlessness” during New Year’s Eve and in the lack of safety of emergency workers.
He suspects that “a lot” of fireworks will be sold in the coming days: “I understand that people are already in sleeping bags before midnight.” More fireworks probably also mean more victims, he says: “Consumer fireworks are the largest source of injury during New Year’s Eve.”
Illegal fireworks
The police confiscated fireworks in recent weeks, just under 110,000 kilos. Minderhoud says: “We see a lot of category F4, which is professional fireworks, not intended for consumers.” Much is purchased online: “It is quite easy for people to order Cobras and the like via Signal and Telegram.”
He warns that illegal fireworks are increasingly being found when narcotics and weapons are found: “We see the interconnectedness increasing. The average consumer does not know which world he is entering.” Minderhoud hopes that the fireworks ban means that the police have more manpower to combat illegal trade when “we have our hands less full with New Year’s Eve.”
New Year’s Eve is the busiest night for the police: there are more officers on the street as well as the control room crews. In fifteen minutes, emergency number 112 becomes more than a thousand, according to the experience, with the main focus being half past eleven to two o’clock at night. Three quarters of the calls are intended for the fire brigade.
Last New Year’s Eve according to the Minister of Justice and Security 4,106 fire incidents. The police reported 8,292 incidents and 245 arrests, first aid stations received 1,162 victims, the majority of whom were caused by fireworks. In the space of a few hours.
“We are anticipating a tough night,” says Entken. “You know that something always happens, that there is .” The police purchased extra hearing protection for riot police, and the trial with a pepper spray – which can keep groups at a distance – will start on Wednesday. This also applies to a test in which a water cannon can be filled with a mixture of water and tear inducing agent, so that it can be used at night.
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