Police corps in Mechelen deeply affected after violence against colleague: "It could have been any one of us"

The police corps of the Rivierenland zone in Mechelen, Belgium, is deeply affected after one of their colleagues was hospitalized following an act of aggression. The officer sustained a broken hip and faces a lengthy period away from work.

The incident unfolded when a man, who had been brought to the police station for speeding on his moped, suddenly attacked an inspector. "The incident is weighing heavily on the corps," said spokesperson Dirk Van de Sande. "We are a large corps, but a small family, so everyone is very involved. This could have happened to any one of us, so it hits hard."

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The incident is weighing heavily on the corps. We are a large corps, but a small family, so everyone is very involved. This could have happened to any one of us, so it hits hard.

Van de Sande noted that while police frequently encounter violent individuals and are trained to handle such situations, this particular incident felt different. "It was an administrative processing of a traffic violation, so you don't expect such excessive violence," he stated. The injured officer, who has served with the corps for over 20 years and possesses extensive experience, is receiving constant support from his direct colleagues, who visit him frequently in the hospital.

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It was an administrative processing of a traffic violation, so you don't expect such excessive violence.

"Our colleague suffered very severe injuries and is still in the hospital. He will need months of rehabilitation," Van de Sande added. "He is receiving support day and night from his direct colleagues, who visit often."

The attack has served as a stark reminder for the corps to remain vigilant during any intervention. The police zone has specialized personnel dedicated to colleague welfare, ensuring that anyone needing to talk can access support. The affected officer, his family, and his immediate colleagues are all receiving assistance.

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Our colleague suffered very severe injuries and is still in the hospital. He will need months of rehabilitation.