Namur: roller cops patrols

New: this summer, 18 will intervene and not only during the Thursday roller parades NAMUR Like several large European cities, Namur has been seduced by roller parades. This original summer activity, open to all and free, will allow, for the 3rd consecutive year, roller fanatics to hit the asphalt. Last year, this unusual procession attracted an average of 700 participants per outing. The parade, which will start from the Place de l'Ange, will take place every Thursday, from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m., from June 30 to September 15. If the weather is grumpy, the ride will be canceled for safety reasons. "Thus, last year, two outings had to be canceled", explains alderman Frédéric Laloux. The 21.50 km route will lead enthusiasts towards the Wépion bridge, alternating 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 in your diary: July 21, a black-yellow-red evening will be reserved for the most experienced who will reach the Citadel via Salzinnes. As last year, a brigade of roller cops (agents on roller skates) will supervise the skaters. The team will consist of 18 police officers (against 14 last year): two chief inspectors, ten police inspectors and six police auxiliaries. On the ground, 7 roller cops will wear skates at each parade. Their mission: to inform, protect, and raise awareness among users about safety rules. New this year, this special brigade will intervene not only during the parades but also, throughout the summer (from mid-June to mid-September, twice a week, on Tuesdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.), in the city center streets. Patrols will be carried out by three and will be mixed (from different services). The 18 roller cops have received 8 hours of technical training and follow continuous training of 2 hours per week. Some have even been trained in Paris (on intervention techniques on roller skates: searching individuals, identity checks, handcuffing, shooting) "We thus hope to enhance the image of our officers with 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 ATV brigade on the towpath and finally roller cops for the basket, Jambes and Salzinnes. The latter will also be able to intervene on the towpath. Their role will be essentially dissuasive and preventive. They will also punctually supervise processions, flea markets and other festivities." Photo : The police will be everywhere this summer in the center of Namur and some of them will be equipped with roller skates. (OLE)