Brussels police launch new weekly training for bicycle police officers | Brussels
The Brussels police has launched a new weekly training course for bicycle brigades. It is intended to raise the skills of the bicycle cops to a higher level. David Stevens and Jurgen Willems, both head of the bicycle brigades in the Brussels-Capital-Ixelles police zone, contributed to the development of the new training.
“The new training was developed in collaboration with other police zones,” says Jurgen Willems. “Before that, there were training courses that took place over two or three days, but there was no overarching, standardized training. There is now. Every bicycle agent in Belgium will eventually receive this training.”
During the weekly training, bicycle police officers are given the opportunity to further develop their skills or learn new ones. This happens in several parts. “Today we are working on a skills course. After all, it is important that our people know how to adapt to different surfaces”, says Willems. But also other matters. “To avoid injuries, we teach the correct fall techniques and we give tips about ergonomic cycling”. Also repelling attackers with target practice is part of the training package.
In a city like Brussels, the weekly training is just right. “About 100 bicycle police officers are employed in the Brussels-Capital Region, the highest number of all police zones,” says David Stevens. “Due to the number of car-free zones, residential areas and pedestrian zones in Brussels, bicycle agents are deployed. That is why it is important that they receive a good education”. That is also the view of the Minister of the Interior, Annelies Verlinden. “The bicycle brigades are the hands and eyes of the police. They are closest to the citizen, which is why it is important that they receive a level of all education so that the collective is jacked up.”
The bicycle agents who follow the training are already enthusiastic. “I’ve been with the bicycle brigade for five years, but I’m still learning new techniques,” says bicycle agent Jozef Herman. “It is therefore very nice to see the progress within the team. Another city tour and obstacle escort are planned soon. Then we can test our skills in practice. But judging by the efforts of the colleagues, this will be a success for everyone.”
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