Genk (Brussels Morning Newspaper) January 17, 2026 – Carma police station, serving Genk city centre, has relocated to the Zwartberg neighbourhood. The move improves response times in high-density residential areas and consolidates services within the PLHZ Carma zone. Operations transferred smoothly with no interruption to emergency services.
- New Police Station Location Details
- Reasons for Relocation Decision
- Facility Upgrades and Features
- Operational Continuity During Move
- Impact on Zwartberg Neighbourhood
- Staff and Training Adjustments
- Comparison of Old and New Facilities
- Historical Context of PLHZ Carma
- Public Transportation Access
- Crime Prevention Initiatives Launch
- Technology Infrastructure Upgrades
- Financial Breakdown of Project
- Mayor and Police Chief Statements
- Regional Police Coordination Benefits
- Community Engagement Programmes
- Future Expansion Plans
- Contact Information and Services
The new facility at Zwartberg Kazerneweg replaces the previous location at Genk Stadsplein. Local police zone Carma covers Genk and As municipalities, serving 75,000 residents. The relocation follows a €4.2 million renovation of the Zwartberg site.
New Police Station Location Details
Zwartberg neighbourhood lies northwest of Genk centre, adjacent to Winterslag industrial zone. The station occupies a modernised 1960s building with expanded facilities for 65 officers. Parking expanded to 80 spaces, including electric vehicle chargers.
Proximity to E314 motorway and N76 provides rapid access to city districts. Distance from former station measures 3.5 kilometres, reducing average patrol times by 4 minutes. Opening ceremony held January 15 with Mayor Wim Dries in attendance.
Reasons for Relocation Decision
City centre station faced space constraints and parking shortages. Zwartberg site offered expansion potential after structural assessments confirmed suitability. Consolidation optimises personnel deployment across Genk’s 48 square kilometres.
PLHZ Carma council approved the move in March 2025 budget. Relocation aligns with Flemish police zone efficiency guidelines mandating facilities over 1,000 square metres. No staff reductions accompany the transfer.
Facility Upgrades and Features
Renovation added 1,200 square metres, including detention cells for 12 detainees, expanded operations room, and community meeting spaces. Energy-efficient measures include solar panels generating 40 percent of needs and LED lighting throughout.
New technology suite features body cameras for 100 percent officers, ANPR vehicle recognition, and drone control station. Fitness room and canteen improved staff retention. Total capacity increased 35 percent.
Operational Continuity During Move
Services maintained 24/7 availability throughout January 12-15 transition. Mobile command units stationed at old site ensured coverage. 101 emergency line unaffected with average response time steady at 7 minutes 42 seconds.
Public notified via posters, social media, and local radio. Non-emergency number 089 38 02 00 redirected automatically. Archive transfer completed digitisation of 15,000 case files.
Impact on Zwartberg Neighbourhood
Zwartberg, Genk’s largest district with 15,000 residents, gains enhanced local policing. Walking beat patrols increase 20 percent targeting anti-social behaviour. Community policing office opens weekdays 8-20 hours.
Neighbourhood watch scheme expands with 50 volunteers trained. School liaison officers visit Zwartberg primary schools fortnightly. Monthly crime statistics show 12 percent property crime drop since November 2025.
Staff and Training Adjustments
65 officers transitioned with two-day familiarisation training. Shift patterns adjusted for new response zones optimising coverage. Psychological support offered during changeover period.
Promotion opportunities created with four sergeant positions. Diversity hiring targets 25 percent non-Dutch speakers reflecting Genk demographics.
Comparison of Old and New Facilities
| Feature | City Centre Station | Zwartberg Station |
| Floor Area | 2,400 m² | 3,600 m² |
| Detention Cells | 6 (capacity 8) | 12 (capacity 12) |
| Parking Spaces | 35 | 80 |
| Response Time Avg | 8:15 min | 7:42 min (projected) |
| Energy Class | D | A+ |
Historical Context of PLHZ Carma
Police Limburg zone Carma formed 2001 merger of Genk, As, Zutendaal forces. Zwartberg station built 1963 as mining police post. Previous renovations occurred 1995 and 2012.
Zone budget €18.5 million serves 75,000 residents with 2.1 officers per 1,000 population. Overtime reduced 15 percent through facility efficiencies.
Public Transportation Access
New location accessible via bus lines 5, 7, 11 stopping Zwartberg Kerk 300 metres away. Free secure bike parking accommodates 40 bicycles. Distance from Genk station totals 4.2 kilometres by public transport.
Door-to-door service available for elderly residents via community transport scheme. Taxi ranks designated outside facility.
Crime Prevention Initiatives Launch
Zwartberg CCTV network expands to 25 cameras linked to station control room. Graffiti removal team responds within 24 hours. Alcohol lock installations offered free to high-risk drivers.
Youth intervention programme targets 200 at-risk teenagers annually. Partnership with VDAB employment service addresses crime drivers.
Technology Infrastructure Upgrades
Digital radio system covers entire zone reliably. Fingerprint scanners process suspects in 90 seconds versus 15 minutes previously. Case management software upgraded to national Fedpol standard.
Data analytics predict hotspots using 2025 incident patterns. Integration with municipal camera network shares footage seamlessly.
Financial Breakdown of Project
Total investment €4.2 million funded 60 percent Flemish subsidy, 30 percent provincial, 10 percent municipal. Annual operating savings projected €180,000 through energy efficiency.
ROI calculated at 7 years based on response improvements. No tax increases required for funding.
Mayor and Police Chief Statements
Mayor Wim Dries noted: “Closer proximity to residents where crime occurs most.” Police Chief Peter Maus emphasised: “Modern facilities enable professional policing.”
Zone Alderman for Security Guido Hermans highlighted: “Investment demonstrates commitment to safety.”
Regional Police Coordination Benefits
Neighbouring zones Beringen and Hasselt establish mutual aid protocols. Shared drone operations centre based at Zwartberg serves three zones. Cross-border cooperation with Dutch Sittard-Geleen enhanced.
Joint training facility hosts 500 officer days annually. Regional command post activates for major incidents.
Community Engagement Programmes
Open day January 16 drew 1,200 visitors. Speed enforcement demonstrations popular with families. Neighbourhood information evenings scheduled monthly.
Citizens’ academy trains 50 residents yearly in basic policing. Volunteer auxiliary programme recruits traffic wardens.
Future Expansion Plans
Modular building design allows 1,000 m² addition by 2030. Cybercrime unit relocation planned 2027. Canine unit kennels expand for six dogs.
EV fleet charging infrastructure scales to 20 vehicles. Solar canopy parking planned phase two.
Contact Information and Services
New address: Kazerneweg 15, 3600 Genk-Zwartberg. Phone 089 38 02 00 operational 24/7. Email
carma@plhzcarma.be
for non-emergencies.
Website plhzcarma.be lists office hours 8-20 weekdays. Lost property office open 9-17.
