The uniforms of boas (extraordinary investigative officers) must meet the same neutrality requirements as those of police officers. That is what Minister Yesilgöz of Justice and Security writes to the House of Representatives.
These are positions where the government “manifests itself in society with the help of the strong arm and makes use of means of coercion,” says Yesilgöz. The police must radiate authority, neutrality and security. That also applies to boas, says Yesilgöz.
The minister was instructed by the House of Representatives to keep the uniforms neutral and to arrange this nationally. The reason was decisions by municipal councils in various cities, such as Utrecht, Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Arnhem.
Neutrality comes first
The majority of the municipal councils have decided that boas are allowed to wear a headscarf, skullcap or other religious or non-neutral clothing. Municipalities are formally the employer of boas, so Yesilgöz must consult with them to arrive at a guideline.
She has since spoken with several mayors. The outcome of this is that the neutrality of the uniforms is not up for discussion. Yesilgöz: “I think it is very important that the form and content of the directive are in line with the basic principle for the police uniform, where neutrality is paramount.”
The minister will announce what the directive will look like this spring.
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