Dutch police officers making flying visit to Essex

Three Dutch police officers have spent time on the beat in Chelmsford to broaden their experience of policing techniques.

Officers Patrick Bottinga, Eddy Hoekstra and Richard Vennema are all nearing the end of an intensive four years of training in Holland, involving two years of study and two years of practical coalface police work.   The trip to Essex was hosted and coordinated by Essex Police College, with Sgt Louise Thomas-Unger, Pc Terry Beeton and Pc Pete Gillgan all heavily involved.



During their three day visit, Richard spent much of his time with traffic officers, whilst Patrick and Eddy wanted to learn about British approaches to addressing anti-social behaviour. 

Patrick and Eddy were able to attend an incident involving allegations of nuisance youth behaviour near a pub, and observe the actions of the neighbourhood policing team who were engaging with local businesses, children and parents. 

Patrick said: “Officers talked about the problem with the owner of the pub, and will also be speaking with the children and their parents.  The solution will be to get all parties together, and it’s vital to involve the children and parents.”

Pc Pete Gillgan and Pc Terry Beeton, Essex Police Professional Development Officers, joined the Dutch constables out and about and were delighted at the opportunity to share knowledge.

Pete said:  “Anti-social behaviour is something that all police forces and all nationalities experience, and it’s always interesting to have input from people from other forces abroad.” 

Eddy’s favourite moment was being part of a “blue light run” responding to an emergency call.  Patrick was thrilled at the welcome and access he and his colleagues were granted and the Dutch team described their time in Essex as very positive.