The boas in Breda will be going out with a baton again from next carnival. A rubber bat of approximately thirty centimeters will then be standard equipment for a large proportion of law enforcement officers. On Monday, national permission was given for the reintroduction of the weapon after it was confiscated earlier in 2017. “Incidents of violence against boas are increasing, so I do not rule out the use of pepper spray in the future,” says councilor Eddie Förster of Safety.
Förster says he gets a stomach ache every time he sees the long list of problems after a weekend out in his city. Especially because at least one incident of violence is always directed at a boa. The councilor is therefore happy that he can arm the enforcers again.
“Of course you would prefer that a baton is not necessary,” he says. “But the number of violent incidents against boas is only increasing. And they are regularly injured. I want to protect our staff and with a baton the boas have the opportunity to defend themselves.”
“I am really shocked by the number of incidents,” Förster continues. “So the sooner the better. We don’t have an exact date yet, but during carnival the boas in Breda will certainly walk around with a baton.”
“It’s a nice feeling to have a baton at hand.”
The enforcement officers themselves also welcome the addition to their equipment. For example, boa Joffrey says he feels safer with the new rubber bat on his belt. “We would rather not use it, but it is a nice feeling to have a baton at hand. Especially to defend ourselves, because you can also take blows with it. But my most important weapon remains the walkie-talkie, because it can I call for assistance.”
Strict rules have been drawn up for the carrying and use of the short baton by boas. Not all boas are given a bat and a mandatory bodycam checks whether it is also used proportionately. “Of the 64 Breda boas who work outside shifts, 48 are qualified to carry the baton,” says team leader Robert Segers. “We will perform 230 services during Carnival and we will see how the public will react. But we enforce with charm and the baton is really the last resort.”
“I do not rule out the use of pepper spray by boas in the future.”
But the boas do not only have to deal with violence during carnival or in the nightlife. Even on weekdays there is swearing, pushing, threatening, hitting and even biting every hour of the day. “I know that there are other parties that are concerned about the armament,” says councilor Förster. “But they must be able to defend themselves. We are doing everything step by step and they will certainly not get a gun or machine gun, but I do not rule out the use of pepper spray in the future.”
2024-01-30 17:57:17
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