BOAs on the rise

Dutch law enforcement is making ever-more use of civilian special investigating officers, or BOAs. JOEP DERKSEN looks at the phenomenon and what it might mean for society

 

Some years ago, an enthusiastic politician came up with an idea to decrease unemployment rates and create employment. These formerly unemployed men and women were given the impressive title “BOA” (Bestuurlijke Opsporingsambtenaar; special investigating officers). After a course lasting a few days, they were legally empowered to fine citizens who had the temerity to park without paying or who did not pick up the feces of the dog they were walking.

 

The idea was that these BOAs would ease the workload of the real and qualified police(wo)men, so that they could focus on more important cases. Things like fighting crime, arresting drunk drivers and fining speeding motorists. In the beginning, these BOAs were considered by many as traitors, to name only the most soft-spoken form of description. Surely; everybody wants the rules to be imposed, but nobody wants the rules to be invoked on themselves.

 

Until now it was only the government that had the legal authority and monopoly to use violence. That is also why not everybody can be a police officer; it takes years of intense training, before anybody can wear a police badge. And even when you are a qualified police officer, the use of violence is only allowed under certain circumstances. But lately, the BOAs are getting more appreciation, not least by the local and national authorities. The municipality Oegstgeest, for instance, changed its APV (Algemene Politie Verordening; General Police Rules) in such a way, that BOAs are allowed to use “constructive” violence.

 

In Noordwijk, all BOAs receive a light blue uniform, closely resembling the official police uniforms. In such a way, they will seem more authoritative. They now operate under the name “light police.” Security and Justice Minister Ivo Opstelten (VVD) considers this to be a good development: “As well as good training, a professional special investigating officer should have a professional and recognisable outward appearance, together with a clear set of responsibilities. Both citizens and collaborative partners alike need to know what they can and cannot expect from a special investigating officer of public spaces.”

 

Minister Opstelten is a big proponent of using the BOAs to operate in almost all public areas. When his proposal is accepted by the Tweede Kamer (House of Representatives), as of 1 January 2014 all municipalities can make use of BOAs to enforce minor laws. They will have the authority to investigate matters such as the Licensing and catering Act, parking, and environmental mishaps. They will fall under the so-called “local triangles”: the mayor, police and the Public Prosecution Service. It will be possible for the BOAs to carry handcuffs “under certain circumstances.” They cannot (yet) carry guns and pepper spray, but you do not need to be a fortune teller to know that the permission to bear arms for privately hired BOAs will be the next step in the process of keeping the civilians in check.

 

The VVD-Minister only sees advantages in this development. He believes that the BOAs can be used to combat the small nuisances and therefore improve peoples’ quality of life. In the meantime, the police can be busy with maintaining law and order. Critics fear that this development is only the next step towards the Netherlands becoming a police state. Where one half of the country is checking on the other half of the population. It is not for nothing that watchdogs are becoming ever-more insistent about warning people of ongoing developments.

 

On the other hand, if you as a reader don’t mind missing out on birthday parties and if you are looking for a (n other) job, this may be your chance. Go to your local mayor and apply for a position as a BOA. Get a wonderful light blue uniform and some handcuffs. When the sun shines, you can go out on the streets and fine some illegally parked drivers. And when it’s raining, you can sit in your office ‘finishing the paperwork’. With such good work benefits it is acceptable to also occasionally receive a black eye or a bruise or two.

 

(Published in The Holland Times, August edition).