Community police officers in Rotterdam-Centre whittled

The number has declined sharply in recent years, from 23 to 15. Hennie van Schaik, vice chairman of the area committee, worries about safety. Together with the other members he calls Mayor Aboutaleb to bring at least reduce the number of police officers at the old level.

"Entrepreneurs and residents also notice that their trusted local policeman suddenly disappeared. Some say even no police officer to see more, "says Van Schaik. "Community police officers are the eyes and ears of the neighborhood. Especially in these times of radicalization, these agents is extremely important. "According to him, the policemen whittled. "We would like to see this is reversed. For the very cool neighborhood is 1.5 wijkagent available. That is far too little. What if the best man or woman is sick day? "

According to a police spokesman has enough police on the streets to ensure the safety and get three more so-called expert police officers in addition to the above 15. In addition, he points out that politics makes for one police officer to 5,000 people. "The center of Rotterdam is home to 30,000, so basically you would arrive at six local police officers." A police officer is in his part of a team of roughly 15 people. "Then you come to the area from about 180 agents who work on the street."

IMPORTANT LINK

Last week, Mayor Aboutaleb praised the role of the police officers still in the debate in response to the anti-terror operations. According to him, they -with many other instanties- an important link against radicalization. The mayor said earlier that the cuts by the Hague too much has gone to the police.

http://www.metronieuws.nl/ by Job Halkes Photo: Reuters