Police dress schoolchildren in riot gear & show how water cannon works — Analysis
The ‘Rookies’ program is aimed toward strengthening ties between younger folks and officers in Belgium
On Wednesday, Belgian police began an “immersive internship” for schoolchildren aged 14-18 to indicate them what the safety forces’ work seems to be like from the within.
The primary day of this system noticed the youngsters visiting the stables and changing into acquainted with the mounted law enforcement officials and their horses. The youngsters additionally noticed a water cannon from the within and had been in a position to placed on police gear – coaching during which it appeared the interns had been getting ready to deal with road protests.
The authorities introduced the ‘Rookies’ program for younger folks in late 2021. Round 160 teenagers have utilized for the course, however solely 30 of them had been ultimately chosen for the internship. There have been 15 boys and 15 women among the many recruits from varied elements of the nation.
The teenagers had been greeted by Belgium’s inside minister, Annelies Verlinden, who expressed hope that they’ll change into “ambassadors for the police” in society, and that a few of them will even apply to change into police sometime.
The passion and quite a few questions requested by the Rookies confirmed {that a} “good relationship between younger folks and police remains to be attainable,” Marc De Mesmaeker, the overall commissioner of the Federal Police, mentioned.
This system will proceed till July 2022. The teenagers will change into acquainted with quite a few issues, together with the work of police laboratories, the K9 providers, particular forces, helicopter pilots, and cybercrime items.
In current weeks, Belgium has witnessed large protests in opposition to Covid restrictions. Within the capital, police used tear fuel and water cannons to disperse the crowds.
You’ll be able to share this story on social media:
[ad_2]