Dutch and Portuguese Police Help Keep Ghent Festivities Safe

Ghent's annual cultural event, the Ghent Festivities, has seen a notable increase in safety measures this year, thanks to the collaboration of Dutch and Portuguese police officers with local law enforcement. The presence of Dutch officers, who don uniforms to assist in managing the influx of Dutch visitors, facilitates better communication and swift resolution of issues, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable experience for attendees. The partnership extends beyond the Dutch contingent, as Portuguese officers join local police to combat petty thefts and other minor crimes. This initiative underscores Ghent's commitment to crime prevention and highlights the importance of cross-cultural collaboration in law enforcement. The integration of officers from different countries not only enhances local policing efforts but also fosters a sense of unity in tackling urban crime. This international cooperation is made possible through special agreements within the European Union, which allow police forces from various member states to work together on security matters. In Ghent, officers from the Netherlands and Portugal conduct joint patrols, often in plain clothes during nighttime, to effectively address small thefts and maintain order. Additionally, Ghent's police force has engaged in exchanges with other European countries, gaining insights into diverse policing strategies. This exchange of knowledge not only strengthens local law enforcement but also contributes to a broader network of cooperation among European police forces, ultimately enhancing public safety across borders.