More than 10,000 emergency workers are deployed this New Year’s Eve to ensure safety throughout the evening and night. Measures are in place to prevent violence against them.
The police express concern over recurring violence against officers and other responders. During last New Year’s Eve, numerous incidents occurred in locations such as The Hague, Nieuw-Beijerland, and Hedel, resulting in over 200 officers and responders being injured, some due to heavy fireworks.
Corry van Breda, national portfolio holder for violence at the police, emphasized the unacceptability of such incidents, stating that some individuals suffered permanent hearing damage or mental health issues. Preparations for this year’s New Year’s Eve began months ago, with extensive training exercises conducted by the police.
Officers are also engaging with community leaders to prevent disturbances. On New Year’s Eve, police will be equipped with protective gear, and new hearing protection is being tested in The Hague and East Netherlands.
The police warn that throwing fireworks is considered attempted manslaughter, leading to harsher penalties. Firefighters in several regions, including Leiden, will use bodycams for the first time, which have shown preventive effects in other areas.
Ambulance services also focus on preventing aggression, though concerns are less pronounced in this sector.
Source: NOS