Security leaders call for new safety culture amid rising aggression

Security leaders and judicial officials in the Netherlands and Belgium are calling for a shift in safety culture to combat rising aggression and intimidation against professionals.

In the Netherlands, the ‘Week of Safety’ was launched in The Hague to address increasing violence against emergency responders, police, and security personnel. Ard van der Steur, chairman of the Dutch Security Branch, noted that public conduct has deteriorated over recent decades. He welcomed new Public Prosecution Service policies that move away from mere fines or community service for violence against responders, emphasizing that stricter penalties are necessary to curb aggression.

In Belgium, Paul Dhaeyer, chairman of the Brussels Court of First Instance, reported a heightened threat environment for magistrates. Dhaeyer highlighted incidents including suspects waiting for judges in parking lots and a security incident involving a suspected bomb placed under a judge's vehicle. He argued that the current culture of complacency must change to ensure judicial impartiality and protection, noting that intimidation of judges has become more frequent in recent years.