Same name, same job: enforcers Michael, Maikel and Michael all look back as you say ‘Hey Mike!’ calls

taketonews

All three of you will be enforcers, be on the same team at Enforcement Zoetermeer and all are called Michael. You only experience that in our city!

Come on, we’ll be honest. Two enforcers are called Michael, the third Maikel. But in the pronunciation of these names you hear no difference. In the office and on the street, confusion can sometimes arise when someone says “Hey, Mike!” calls.

Calling numbers

Fortunately, Enforcement Zoetermeer works with call numbers via the walkie-talkies. “Each boa has its own number. In this way we call each other and communicate. You will also find our personal numbers in our social media posts. For example, I use ^18 when I post on for example facebook”, says Michael Bloom.

Enforcer 2.0

The enforcers of today are no longer the parking inspectors or supervisors of the past. “We strive for quality of life in the city,” explains Michael de Vries. He was an enforcer in the Oosterheem district and is now doing an internship as a senior enforcer. In time, he may take on the management of a team. “We do more in Zoetermeer than in other municipalities. Youth nuisance and undermining are a major problem in our city. Zoetermeer residents know us better and better because we are visible on the street. This creates trust and makes them more likely to make a report.”

There’s a lot going on in the center

You can often meet enforcer Michael Blom on his bike in the Stadshart and the Village. “I have contact with shoppers, residents, entrepreneurs and the catering industry. Places where a lot of people come and a lot happens,” says Michael. “Think of going out, using soft drugs and events. The center is a different work area than the other residential areas in Zoetermeer.”

Rather build a bond in the neighborhood

The blond boa Maikel Vermeij is mainly visible in the Oosterheem district. There he becomes more and more known among residents, students and youth. But the number of reports to Enforcement is increasing every year, which means that the boas cannot always be in their own neighborhood. “I prefer to stay in Oosterheem to build a bond with the residents. Unfortunately, in case of a report in another district, we have to leave our post. I hope we get more enforcers in the future. This way we have more time for a chat for, for example, lonely people and we can do more preventive work to prevent more problems.”

By bike or by bus

We often see the boas of Enforcement Zoetermeer riding through the city on their bicycles. Michael Blom: “I prefer to sit on my bike, so we are more visible. This allows you to quickly drive from one place to another in your own neighborhood. But we usually use the enforcement van for reports. That goes faster, for example if you have to go from Oosterheem to Meerzicht, and for unexpected things. Such as with roadblocks or if an orphaned bicycle has to be taken along.”

You in that blue suit

The three invariably call each other Mike. What do Zoetermeer residents actually call them? “Some people know us by our first name,” Maikel explains. “Or they call Mr Enforcementor you in that blue suit† Whatever they are called: Michael, Michael and Maikel have a lot of fun in their work. “People are happy when we can solve a structural problem,” says Michael Blom. “That gives us great satisfaction. We work with residents, community officers and community work to find solutions together. I often ring the bell with the reporter afterwards to discuss the matter. With this we show ourselves and that gives a good feeling, for both parties.”



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