Boutersem (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Boutersem aims to develop more neighbourhood information networks across the city. The BIN functions as a local resident community that shares neighbourhood developments with members before alerting law enforcement about suspicious activities.
Boutersem actively increases its neighbourhood information networks (BINs) for better community safety and more effective communication with law enforcement. This initiative creates resident-to-resident connections, which help people exchange information about suspicious activities as they arise. Enhanced vigilance combined with strengthened police capabilities remains the fundamental target for the initiative across the municipal territory.
“A BIN gives us more eyes and ears on the ground and makes it easier for the police to answer calls as well and accurately as possible,”
Says Mayor Glenn Van Rillaer (Voor Boutersem).
“We want to bring people together in such networks.”
The municipality held its first information session on neighbourhood information networks on Monday.
“Around 80 people were present, and the session has already resulted in candidates. We want to start with a steering group of coordinators who will set out the guidelines together with the police.”
These coordinators will play a key role.
“They will collect additional information from the members of the network, centralize it and forward everything to the police. It is now difficult to predict how many networks we will be able to start. People who still want to apply can do so on the municipality website, and we will also hold a few information sessions,”
Concludes the mayor.
What’s the significance of community policing initiatives in Boutersem?
Neighbourhood information networks under community policing represent an active framework that prevents crimes through sustained community relations. A BIN includes residents who disseminate neighbourhood information and alert authorities about suspicious activities within a specific neighbourhood area.
The networks that pair residents with law enforcement create safer areas while developing communities that resist threats. These networks achieve their goals through the continuous engagement of community members and strong partnerships between community members and police forces in the area.
