Enforcers in action: ‘You have to stand firm’
Amsterdam enforcers Anil (56) and Milan (23) know the street like the back of their hands and experience a lot. They play a leading role in television series Violators, on display at Veronica from September 10. Experience what they experience. “It is a wonderful profession, every day is different.” Do you also want to become an enforcer? Apply and join our team.
Anil says: “The TV series shows that we are more than just a receipt machine. Our work is important to the city. We provide services, engage in dialogue, help people and ensure that the city is clean and safe. People are really happy with us, for example when we rush in with a defibrillator when someone has heart problems. And yes, sometimes there are exciting situations.”
Rush
Anil works around Central Station as a Public Transport Safety Officer. “Amsterdam, I was born and raised here, is the best city to work in, because of the dynamics, the crowds. My heart is in Amsterdam. The work is versatile, there is always commotion, it is never the same. Sometimes it’s exciting. Dealers who sell fake dope, people who violate indecency. You experience a lot.” Anil is always busy for the city. If he sees a full waste container or a dangerous traffic situation, he immediately calls 14 020. He is a mentor and coaches young colleagues. “I love to pass on my knowledge.”
handcuffs
Anil has been working for the municipality for 36 years. In all those years he has only used his baton 5 times. “The viewers see that we perform when we have to. We can apprehend someone who is breaking the law and use handcuffs. I always have a baton with me and a bodycam.” Not all enforcers have a baton, but they all have a bodycam and handcuffs.
‘We are well trained’
Anil: “My most important tool is my mouth. We talk a lot with people. We calm people who are aggressive. Be compassionate, be patient, set boundaries. You have to know what your powers are, sometimes you have to act quickly. Be hard where necessary, soft where possible. We work very well with the police and are well trained. Every year we go back to training.”
Being confident
The program makers also walked with Milan (23) and his buddy. Milan works as an enforcer with the rapid intervention team. “People often have prejudices about our profession. Now they see how we work, how we keep the city safe and clean, and how we help a lot of people. They see that we are doing useful work.”
Enforcer Milan
Milan encounters everything from a car parked on the sidewalk to a fight and suicide. The work is varied and sometimes exciting. “You have to stand firm and be strong verbally. Yes, sometimes you come across. But we know what to do.”
‘I went to talk to him’
Milan: “There is no better city than Amsterdam to work in as an enforcer. Lots of cultural issues, lots of issues, but also a good atmosphere. The work never gets boring.” Very occasionally he does something really bad. “I once saw a man who injured himself with a knife. We went to talk to him. That turned out to be enough.”
Useful work
“In any case, what you should never do when things get exciting is freeze or run away. You must always keep talking, acting. If you come to work quickly, you should be fine: Can I make decisions quickly? Can I communicate well? If so, then it really is a wonderful job. You experience a lot, you learn a lot. And you do useful work for the city and the people. You can stay with enforcement, but after a few years you can also look further, for example a job with the police. It is a very good foundation.”
Working as an enforcer
Are you interested in this job? Have you obtained and at least an MBO diploma level 3? Or do you have a boa certificate? Then we would like to see your application. You can apply until September 12.
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Main photo: enforcer Anil (left)