NCJ Number
150075
Journal
Cahiers de la Securite Interieure Issue: 14 Dated: (August-October 1993) Pages: 67-83
Date Published
1993
Length
17 pages
Annotation
This article characterizes the Belgian police system as a conflict between the proponents of centralization and those of local autonomy.
Abstract
The Belgian police system consists of a highly centralized and specialized police militia; largely autonomous police units of 589 cities, towns, and rural areas; and several special police units. With so many independent units and little communication among them, the Belgian police system faces considerable coordination problems. In the past 20 years, the local police forces have attempted to modernize and professionalize their force, but they struggle to overcome their lack of funds and personnel. The militia, on the other hand, has become a highly efficient unit, which is even encroaching on the tasks of the special police forces. To remedy this imbalance in the Belgian police system, several options have been considered, which would unite the local police under either a national, regional, or state command. Although a radical police reform is not expected in the near future, the article emphasizes that such a reform should must retain enough autonomy to assure a close relation to the local citizens, yet enough integration to function and coordinate effectively. 6 references