Brussels has fourteen officers on wheels

BRUSSELS From our contributor Eric Adams Brussels officers on wheels have been touring the capital since 2002. There are fourteen of them and during the weekend they patrol in the car-free Terkamerenbos (Bois de la Cambre). From June 3, they will also escort the Roller Parades that zip through avenues and tunnels every Friday evening. Sabrina Plas (31) is a police officer at the second division on Ko- lenmarkt (Coal Market) in the heart of Brussels. Most of the time she patrols by car, but especially during the summer months, she puts on her rollerblades two days a week. - Does the capital need police skaters? Roller skaters are well received. The public finds us rather 'cool', and we are quickly on site everywhere. Patrolling in the city center is difficult, because of the cobblestones. The Terkamerenbos is ideal, especially because it is closed to traffic on weekends. Our colleagues in Paris patrol seven days a week on rollers, but the French capital naturally has the advantage of being blessed with many wide sidewalks. - Where did you learn to skate? As a child I did put on roller skates, but I received the real training at the police. I had two sessions of eight hours of lessons, and that was really necessary. Additional training would be welcome, but that is not happening yet. - How long does a pair of skates last? They last about two years. Especially because of the jumps, the roller skates take a beating. Brake pads and wheels often need to be replaced. There is a budget for rollerblades, protective gear and clothing. Roller training with the police. Photo: Eric Adams - What about the rights and obligations of skaters in the city? Up to sixteen years old, children may only use rollers on the sidewalk; if there is no sidewalk, they may use the bike path. If there is neither a bike path nor a sidewalk, skating is forbidden for them. From sixteen years old, skaters must ride on the bike path. If there is no bike path, they may ride on the street or on the sidewalk. Furthermore, when roller skaters ride on the bike path in the dark, they must be equipped with a light in front and a red light in the back. When they ride on the street in the dark, they must wear a high- visibility vest. With roller skates on your feet, you are not allowed on the metro or bus, so commuters must wear shoes on public transport. - Do the skaters also know these regulations? The group that takes a tour in the city every Friday evening certainly does. They also wear high-visibility vests. But we often have to point out to parents that children should preferably wear a helmet for their safety. Police officers, by the way, always wear protective gear. - Are there many accidents? (laughs) In the beginning our trainer said: the more you fall, the better. By falling you learn to overcome your fear. I myself have fallen many times, but never seriously. During parades, colleagues have fallen because unstable beginners dragged them down. Fortunately, our team of fourteen men has not yet suffered any fractures while skating. - What do you advise skaters in Brussels? First and foremost: take a course, learn to brake. In Terkamerenbos, beginners can take free lessons every weekend. Do not venture into the busy Brussels traffic without preparation. The message is to practice as much as possible in advance on quiet terrain, in the Terkamerenbos or in a parking lot. In the city, also make sure you are visible, wear a high-visibility jacket. - What does your work in the Terkamerenbos entail? Patrolling a route of about two kilometers. If, for example, we receive a call about noise pollution from a loud group of drum players, we try to calm things down. Or we have to show the way, or look for a dog that has lost its owner. - Any thieves caught on roller skates? On a car-free Sunday, we once caught a bicycle thief. On rollers, you catch fewer thieves than during a normal patrol by car or on foot. But we remain first and foremost police officers, serving the population and maintaining order. - Is there a form of solidarity among skaters? Young skaters will not immediately associate with the police (laughs). But people on foot often give us compliments, and the other skaters here in Terkamerenbos are also very enthusiastic. All ages are represented, by the way, we even had a 70-year- old lady here with cushions strapped around her body. Belgium Rollers Summer Tour: June 3, 8 p.m., gathering from 7 p.m. at Poelaertplein. The event runs until September 30 inclusive. The route varies weekly. In case of rain, the parade is canceled. www.belgiumrollers.com www.rouliroula.com