Namur: roller cop patrols

New: this summer, 18 of them will intervene and not only during the Thursday rollers parades NAMUR Like several large European cities, Namur has been seduced by the rollers parades. This original summer activity, open to all and free, will allow, for the 3rd consecutive year, roller fanatics to hit the pavement. Last year, this unusual procession attracted an average of 700 participants per outing. The parade, which will start from Place de l'Ange, will take place every Thursday, from 8 PM to 11 PM, from June 30 to September 15. If the weather is grumpy, the ride will be canceled for safety reasons. "Last year, two outings had to be canceled," explains alderman Frédéric Laloux. The 21.50 km route will lead enthusiasts towards the Wépion bridge, alternately via the right bank or the left bank of the Meuse. Only regret: unlike last year, cyclists will not be welcome at the end of the procession. A date to circle in red on your calendar: July 21, a black-yellow-red evening will be reserved for the more experienced who will reach the Citadel via Salzinnes. Like last year, a brigade of rollers cops (officers on rollerblades) will supervise the skaters. The team will consist of 18 police officers (compared to 14 last year): two chief inspectors, ten police inspectors and six police auxiliaries. On the ground, 7 rollers cops will put on their skates for each parade. Their mission: to inform, protect, and raise users' awareness of safety rules. New this year, this special brigade will not only intervene during the parades but also, throughout the summer (from mid-June to mid-September, twice a week, on Tuesdays from 8 AM to 4 PM and on Fridays from 11 AM to 7 PM), in the city center streets. Patrols will be carried out in groups of three and will be mixed (from different services). The 18 rollers cops received 8 hours of technical training and follow continuous training of 2 hours per week. Some have even been trained in Paris (on roller intervention techniques: searching individuals, identity checks, handcuffing, shooting). "We hope to enhance the image of our officers among the population," says the mayor, "but also to intensify their effectiveness on the ground. For each location, a solution has been found: an equestrian brigade for the citadel, scooter agents for the periphery, an MTB brigade on the towpath and finally rollers cops for the city center, Jambes and Salzinnes. The latter will also be able to intervene on the towpath. Their role will be essentially deterrent and preventive. They will also occasionally supervise processions, flea markets and other festivities." Photo: Police officers will be everywhere this summer in the center of Namur and some of them will be equipped with rollerblades. (OLE)