Belgian police zones explore merger for efficiency

Police forces in Belgium's Voeren and Bilzen-Hoeselt-Riemst zones are investigating the feasibility of a merger. The move aims to enhance operational efficiency and service quality by creating a larger, more capable organization. "The time is long past when every police officer could carry out every assignment," said Dirk Claes, chief of police for Bilzen-Hoeselt-Riemst. "We have many departments and specializations, and for that, you naturally need a certain scale."

Claes highlighted the increasing complexity of police investigations and the rising costs associated with advanced technology, such as drones and cybercrime units. A merger would allow the combined force to better handle these demands and invest in necessary equipment. The Bilzen-Hoeselt-Riemst zone currently employs 135 people, while Voeren has about 25. A feasibility study is underway, with results expected in the fall.

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The time is long past when every police officer could carry out every assignment. We have many departments and specializations, and for that, you naturally need a certain scale.

Voeren's mayor, Joris Gaens, stressed that any merger must not compromise service to his municipality, which is a "facility municipality" offering services in French. "We will ensure that as often as possible one of the colleagues in a patrol speaks French when responding in Voeren," Gaens stated. He also emphasized the need for the local reception office to remain open with its current hours. Gaens noted that the existing 10-year cooperation with Bilzen-Hoeselt-Riemst has never presented a language barrier issue.

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We will ensure that as often as possible one of the colleagues in a patrol speaks French when responding in Voeren.