Radicalization hotline

We want everyone in our municipality to feel at home. Sometimes tensions arise between groups or individuals, which can lead to problems such as radicalization and extremism. This can sometimes even become dangerous for public order and safety. Therefore, we actively work to prevent, recognize and address these problems.

What is radicalization and extremism?

Radicalization means that a person acquires increasingly extreme ideas, for example about religion or politics. This can make a person no longer open to other opinions or even resort to violence. Extremism goes even further: here, people want to change or even abolish the rules of our democracy in a way that is harmful to others.

The municipality pays close attention to signs of radicalization. We do this by providing training. We teach social workers and neighborhood policemen to recognize signals and respond properly. We also work with health care organizations, schools and other partners to quickly spot and address problems within society.

How do you recognize radicalization?

There are signs you can recognize that someone is (possibly) radicalized. Here are some examples: 

  • Other language and behavior, especially about certain populations, religions or politics.
  • Feeling like they don't belong anywhere, or, on the contrary, feeling more strongly connected to a particular group.
  • Letting go of old friends because they have found new friends in another (radical) group. 
  • Changing clothing or appearance, such as a new hairstyle or tattoos that mean something to a group. 
  • Rejecting rules from school or work, for example, because of beliefs or ideas. 
  • Being against the government or the law and openly distancing yourself from it. 
  • Less contact with family and friends. 

What is polarization?

Some people are angry or dissatisfied with things in society. This can lead to tensions between groups. If this is not addressed properly, it can lead to polarization: that is, groups become diametrically opposed. So it is important to address these problems early to prevent these problems from growing. 

What does the municipality do?

If someone may be radicalized or has been radicalized, we discuss this in consultation with experts. We do this in the following way:

  • Report and discuss: We review with health and safety partners what is needed.
  • Counseling: We help the person find a better direction again.
  • Appropriate help: We monitor how things are going and adjust help as needed.

With whom does the municipality cooperate?

As a municipality, we cannot do this alone. That is why we are working together with:

  • Community organizations: They support people in their neighborhoods or districts.
  • Schools: They teach children to deal with differences and talk about topics that are important. 
  • Religious and cultural organizations: They help create greater understanding between different groups.
  • Police and security partners: They ensure that public order remains guarded.

Radicalization reporting

Are you concerned about someone close to you? Or do you think someone may be radicalized? You can report this using the form below. You can also fill out the form anonymously, but we cannot inform you about the follow-up to your report.

Reporting radicalization

We take your concerns seriously, treat all reports confidentially and consider a solution together.

How long will it take?

As soon as we receive your report, we will investigate the signs. We do this together with other security partners in the city.

Questions?

Do you have questions about radicalization? If so, please call 14 079.

Please note! Do you want to report anonymously? Then hide your phone number before you call. It is still possible to retrieve your details via your phone number.

You can hide your phone number in the following way:

For mobile phone: 

  • Open the window where you can enter the phone number
  • Test #31#
  • Then dial the telephone number 14 079
  • You are now calling anonymously once

For landline telephone:

  • Press *31* 
  • Then dial the telephone number 14 079
  • You are now making a one-time anonymous call.