Genk (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The CARMA police zone invited 15 magistrates from the Limburg Public Prosecutor’s Office to a workshop in Genk on handling unruly individuals, focusing on controlled force, risk assessment, and police procedures in the field.
As VRT News reported, the Limburg Public Prosecutor’s Office reports a rise in violence against police officers. To support police in these cases, the public prosecutor’s office organises workshops in Genk. These sessions teach legal rules, safety measures, and methods to manage aggressive behaviour. They help officers respond correctly in challenging situations.
“However, during the ‘quality report’ training, the public prosecutor’s office and the police discovered that they often lacked a clear understanding of each other’s reality,”
CARMA police stated in a press release.
“What happens on the street is sometimes difficult for the magistrate to interpret on paper.”
“A report requires certain standard procedures,”
says spokesperson Pieter Strauven of the Limburg public prosecutor’s office.
“For example, we ask the police to clearly describe their actions, and we explain why that’s necessary. After all, only with clear reports can we proceed with a specific prosecution.”
How are CARMA police and magistrates tackling rising violence in Genk?
Today, Nov 25, 2025, in a reversal of roles, the CARMA police zone invited about 15 magistrates to attend a workshop on police resistance and the use of force. Magistrates learned how officers assess risk, use restraint techniques, and make fast decisions during tense encounters.
“We’re very familiar with the theoretical framework for how far a police officer can go,”
says Strauven.
“But seeing how things work in the field is an enriching experience for our magistrates. We’ve seen how police officers can neutralise suspects in a controlled and safe manner. That provides new insights into fieldwork.”
In the CARMA police zone, 112 incidents were recorded in 2025 up to the end of September. This includes 55 cases of unarmed resistance, 29 cases of assault and battery, and 28 cases of armed resistance.
Violence against police is also high in the LRH police zone. This year, 65 violent incidents have been recorded. These include 30 cases of unarmed resistance and 14 cases of assault and battery. While the total is lower than in the CARMA zone. Officials say protecting officers remains a top priority.
Recently, Belgian authorities have increased their efforts against cross-border criminal activities occurring in Limburg, culminating in May 9, 2025, when the Federal Judicial Police made approximately 20 raids in the Limburg municipalities of Heusden-Zolder, Beverlo and Genk, resulting in the arrest of 11 individuals as well as the confiscation of 65 weapons involved in a transnational trafficking operation.
The establishment of a tie between Belgian and Dutch law enforcement agencies to enhance security was directly attributed to the commencement of the Benelux Police Treaty on October 1, 2023.
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