Police Zone West

(Sint-Jans-Molenbeek, Koekelberg, Jette,
Ganshoren, and Sint-Agatha-Berchem)

 

  • Vision statement (with objectives) on diversity and integrity from the Chief of Police:
    • The police zone commits to integrating diversity and non-discrimination into all work processes.
    • Involving all employees in implementing diversity and adhering to the values of inclusion.
    • Conveying the image of a police zone where inclusion and diversity are cultural foundations
  • Mandate letter from the Chief of Police, which includes ‘integrity and diversity’ as strategic goal.

 

  • A proactive team for police recruitment with active efforts to achieve a diverse police force: participation in job fairs, presence in schools, partnerships with Actiris or other social integration NGOs, and communication via social media.
  • Taking part in the ‘rainbow cop’ initiative
  • Discrimination referents (n = 4): Since the circular COL13/2013, it is mandatory to train individuals within each police zone on discrimination issues. They thus serve as contact points in case of discrimination. They raise awareness among other employees about existing legislation and can provide advice on the identification and registration of discrimination and hate crimes.
  • Projects to improve the relationship between police and youth:
    • Collaboration with JES vzw (e.g. JES Academy’s ‘Je Kiffe Bruxelles’, link: https://jesacademy.be/je-kiffe bruxelles/#:~:text=We%20ondersteunen%20kinderen%20en%20jongeren,Opleidingen%20en%20een%20team%20Straathoekwerk)
    • ‘Second Wave’: Discussion groups facilitated by youth workers to give young people and police officers the opportunity to express themselves on various topics and to get to know each other better.
    • Pat’Rouille: The project aims to build a positive relationship with young people and teach them about various safety topics such as traffic, nuisance, cleanliness, and cybersecurity. The police zone assigns an adoption officer to each participating school for the 5th or 6th year.
    • Youth can visit the commissariat (in collaboration with vzw TADA)
  • ‘Cultural Awareness’: Starting in April 2024, new recruits from the police zone will participate in group educational visits to the Migration Museum in Sint-Jans-Molenbeek, accompanied by social workers.
  • Coffee With A Cop (CWAC): As part of local events – such as markets, neighbourhood parties, street fairs, and community festivals – a CWAC stand will be set up, equipped with a tent, coffee, and pastries. Citizens are thus invited to engage in friendly conversations with their local police.