Op pad met kersverse handhavers in opleiding

They have to be resilient, the enforcement officers, also known as BOAs. It's tough work, often underappreciated, but the municipality says they're increasingly needed. AT5 spent an afternoon shadowing the new generation of enforcement officers: "A little action is always nice, of course." A group of fifteen students is gathered in an office at the municipality's Supervision and Enforcement department. They started their BOA training in September, and after ten weeks of hard work indoors, they're now allowed to go out – under the supervision of certified officers. Enforcement officer Rouzbeh opens the briefing: "Today we're going to the city center, to Central Station. We'll be patrolling there, checking on the homeless people hanging around, and seeing if they need any help. If travelers have any questions, they can ask us." Fine-Issuing Fines Today we're shadowing Senna and Yassin. They started their enforcement officer training at the Amsterdam Regional Education Center (ROC) this year. They attend school two days a week, and the rest of the time they do internships with the municipality's Public Space Supervision and Enforcement (THOR) department. That was a bit nerve-wracking at first, says Yassin: "We learned how to approach and stop people. It was a bit awkward at first, but it's much smoother now." As we enter Central Station, Rouzbeh addresses the students: "I would say: do what you have to do, what you've learned. If you see alcohol, disturbances, or unusual behavior, please walk over." On the east side of the station, the students see a wrongly parked car without a permit. Enforcement officer Sommer: "Would you like to write a ticket?" Since this year, enforcement officers are also allowed to issue fines for minor traffic violations. This time, however, it doesn't result in a fine, because the car has just been parked there by a rental company, the tourist tells us, not just unsuspectingly approaching. "We'll turn a blind eye to this, guys," says Rouzbeh. "This person can't do anything about it." The municipality of Amsterdam is investing heavily in vocational education (MBO). Last year, 40 million euros were allocated from the MBO Agenda to strengthen the position of vocational students over four years. The new Enforcement program – along with 28 other projects – will receive 4.6 million euros from this fund. And that money is desperately needed, because the municipality is facing a significant shortage of enforcement officers. Currently, there are approximately 375 enforcement officers. and 300 supervisors, and at least 75 additional enforcement officers are needed. The department has endured considerable criticism in recent years, both from within and outside the municipality. Two and a half years ago, the organization itself was under fire for a toxic work environment, with high turnover and absenteeism among enforcement officers. A few weeks ago, Özcan Akyol, speaking on Vandaag Inside, called enforcement a job for incompetent people. Senna doesn't seem to mind: "I'm proud to do this work, I enjoy it, I take pleasure in it, and ultimately, you choose whether or not you want to do it." "We'll see that video online soon." YASSIN - STUDENT ENFORCEMENT In the middle of a conversation, the enforcement officers suddenly run away. A tourist has become unwell in the central tunnel. Rouzbeh and Sommer are the first to arrive to resuscitate him, while the students keep bystanders at a distance so the police and ambulance can continue their work. do. Senna: "It was the first time I'd experienced something like that, so it was a bit of a shock, but in the end, we're all okay." There's not much time to catch our breath: someone has lost their mother. The law enforcement officers split up into teams of two and search the station. During their search, they encounter a group of boys trying to break through the gates. Rouzbeh, who was resuscitating someone five minutes earlier, now has to stay calm while the boys film him constantly, shouting things like, "You're just a law enforcement officer." Two fines later, they leave the station after an altercation that lasts about fifteen minutes. "Well, we'll see that video online soon," sighs Yassin. But even a group of gate-breakers doesn't deter the students. In a year and a half, they'll finish their training and receive an offer to work for the municipality. And they're keen. Senna: "Just being outside among people, talking to people, and…" And a little action every now and then is also nice, of course." #amsterdam ❌ ❌ ❌ AT5 - Real Amsterdam News Subscribe to our YouTube channel here:    / at5   Tips or comments? Whatsapp: 06 511 909 38 Phone: 020 555 1155 Follow AT5: www.at5.nl Instagram: instagram.com/at5.nl Facebook: facebook.com/at5nl Twitter: twitter.com/at5