Municipality of Zoetermeer application for short batons for special investigating officers
The municipality of Zoetermeer is submitting an official request to permanently equip special investigating officers (BOAs) with a short baton. In 2021 and 2022, Zoetermeer was one of 10 municipalities participating in a national trial in which enforcement officers were temporarily allowed to carry a short baton. Subsequently, the municipality initiated the procedure to permanently add this tool to the equipment of the BOAs.
Impartial advice from regulators
On October 1, 2025, the municipality received a neutral recommendation from the police and the Public Prosecution Service regarding equipping special investigating officers with a short baton. This means that the supervisory authorities have no objections, but also do not express explicit support. The final decision now rests entirely with the Ministry of Justice and Security (Dienst Justis). Mayor Michel Bezuijen had hoped that the special investigating officers would be able to obtain the short batons sooner: "Immediately after the trial ended, we set everything in motion to arrange this properly for our enforcement officers. But despite our efforts, years have passed and we are still in the middle of a long, cumbersome, and sometimes difficult-to-understand procedure. That is downright frustrating, especially since this concerns the safety of our employees."
Official request
Despite the disappointment about the process and the lack of a positive recommendation, the municipality will officially submit the application to the ministry. In addition, the mayor will send a letter to the Minister of Justice and Security explaining why Zoetermeer considers it necessary for special investigating officers to be able to carry the short baton. Mayor Michel Bezuijen: "Society is becoming more hostile, and our special investigating officers are increasingly faced with complex and sometimes unpredictable situations. As their employer, we have a responsibility to ensure that they can do their work safely. The short baton is a necessary addition to their equipment to protect themselves and others. During the trial, we also saw that carrying it can have a preventive effect: people were less likely to seek confrontation."
National developments may offer opportunities
In October 2025, the Minister of Justice and Security announced changes to the national BOA system. These changes are intended to lead to clearer tasks, powers, and associated equipment for BOAs. The changes will be introduced in stages, and the new system should be fully operational by 2028 at the latest. Mayor Bezuijen sees these developments as support for Zoetermeer's application.
