Dutch law enforcement officer performs duties in Benidorm for the initial time
Stay tuned for the latest news about Europe and Costa Blanca as we delve into the growing initiative that's making holidays safer for all – the European Stations Project.
This project, which began in 2008, has expanded to include France, Portugal, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, and Spain. Its popularity soars due to its positive reception, aiming to strengthen support for tourists and reinforce security.
The model of cooperation has proven effective in preventing crime, improving response times, and offering a reassuring presence in areas with large tourist numbers. Spanish officers, for instance, have been integrated into regular shifts at two Dutch police stations, working side by side with local forces.
In a recent development, Dutch visitors to Spain also benefit from the presence of their officers in popular resorts. Since 2022, this mutual exchange has seen Spanish National Police officers carrying out patrols in the Netherlands for the first time. They joined Dutch colleagues in the towns of Zaanstad and Zandvoort, in the North Holland region.
The scheme aims to facilitate the sharing of experiences and operational methods between police forces of different countries. This year, the coastal town of Zandvoort received a large influx of visitors, including more than 140,000 spectators during the Formula 1 Grand Prix. The mutual exchange allows officers to learn first-hand how their counterparts operate, strengthening professional ties and building trust.
The initiative also highlights Benidorm's growing role in European policing exchanges. Since 2022, Dutch officers have been participating, and Spanish officers have been patrolling in Spanish tourist destinations such as Benidorm. This year marks the fifth edition of the project in the Alicante resort, with French officers also on duty.
The collaboration occurred during the busy summer period and coincided with the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Zandvoort. Police Chief Frank Richter participated in the European Stations Project, visiting police officers in Madrid and Barcelona, Spain.
The scheme demonstrates the importance of international collaboration in protecting communities and visitors. It provides holidaymakers with assistance in their own language, ensuring a more enjoyable and secure holiday experience for all.
