Belgian police now allowed to drink in the station, on special occasions

Belgian police now allowed to drink in the station, on special occasions
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From now on, police officers will be allowed to consume a limited number of lightly alcoholic drinks in federal police buildings, outside working hours, after authorisation from the management, it was reported on Friday.

Since 2012, and the arrival of Catherine De Bolle at the head of the federal police, zero tolerance for alcohol has been the norm within the federal police. This meant it was prohibited to consume alcoholic beverages, even in the event of retirement, staff parties or other events.

New Commissioner General Marc De Mesmaeker has decided to modify these rules, according to an internal note from the federal police obtained by DH. According to this note, a series of interviews within the Federal Police showed that "many people believe that a total ban is detrimental to the social cohesion of the units and the organisation".

It is therefore now permitted, in exceptional circumstances, outside working hours and after agreement with the management, to consume a limited number of lightly alcoholic drinks in federal police buildings.

Police officers remain "individually responsible for avoiding any accident or incident," said the note.

The Brussels Times


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