VVD Calls for Study on Preventive Frisking to Boost Safety in Groningen’s Nightlife Areas
Proposal aims to make Groningen’s city centre a “security risk area” to reduce violence, pending expert review.
The VVD party in Groningen’s city council is calling for a study on designating the city centre as a “security risk area,” which would allow preventive frisking in busy nightlife spots. Concerned about rising incidents involving knives and firearms, VVD party leader Ietje Jacobs-Setz stresses the need for new safety measures. "We must look at all options to make our city centre safer," she said, asking for a closer look at the extent of the problem and whether preventive frisking could help reduce violence.
In several major Dutch cities, preventive frisking is already allowed in specific areas that are designated as security risks by the mayor. Currently, Groningen’s local regulations don’t give the mayor this power without city council approval. Jacobs-Setz intends to introduce a motion at the November 13 city council meeting, encouraging a review of how effective such measures might be in Groningen.
The proposal does not call for immediate frisking but instead suggests working with police and judicial authorities to see if it could be an effective way to cut down on violence in Groningen’s nightlife areas. Jacobs-Setz acknowledges that frisking can be controversial and shouldn’t be used lightly. “It’s a serious measure, and we need expert advice on public safety before deciding,” she explained, noting that local police support investigating this option.
Reflecting on past use of preventive frisking in Groningen, such as during King’s Day 2018 when the royal family visited, Jacobs-Setz hopes this measure could be tested for a limited period to see its impact. Her goal is to create a safer city centre while keeping the use of frisking temporary, stopping it once safety improves.