Antwerp police are now arresting known nuisance offenders, referred to as “claimers,” for the maximum administrative detention period of 12 hours, sometimes without a specific immediate provocation. The policy, coordinated with the mayor, targets specific hotspots in Antwerp-North to curb public disorder, VRT reported.
Administrative Arrests Based on App Registration
Under new guidelines, the Antwerp police use a dedicated app to identify known nuisance offenders. According to Nieuwsblad, being registered as an entity within this “claimer-app” is sufficient grounds for an administrative arrest. These arrests are mandated to last for the maximum duration of 12 hours.
If officers do not immediately confirm the arrest, the police chief or deputy chief must be contacted to decide on the deprivation of liberty, Nieuwsblad reports.
Target Zones in Antwerp-North
While the directive applies across the entire city, police are focusing enforcement on the 2060 postal code area. Nieuwsblad identifies the following primary target locations:
- De Coninckplein
- False gate
- Park Track North
- Queen Astrid Square
Legal Disputes Over Preventive Detention
The Human Rights League (Liga voor Mensenrechten) argues that this approach violates Belgian law. The organization states that no one can be administratively arrested preventively, noting that such actions contradict legal frameworks, according to Nieuwsblad.
Article 31 of the Police Act stipulates that administrative detention is permitted only in cases of “absolute necessity,” such as when a person is actively disturbing public peace or when there are concrete indications that a person is preparing a crime. Nieuwsblad reports that Police Chief Muyters believes Article 31 should be fully utilized because “claimers” systematically disturb public order in the intra-muros area.
The Human Rights League maintains that a person’s reputation as a nuisance offender or a history of problems does not provide a sufficient legal basis for a new arrest, Nieuwsblad reports.
Police Objectives for Different Offender Groups
Police officials state the strategy is designed to funnel specific groups toward the appropriate authorities. According to Cleiren, as cited by Nieuwsblad, the goals are as follows:
- Street dealers: Directed toward the justice system.
- Individuals without legal residence: Directed toward the Immigration Office for repatriation.
- Individuals with medical or psychological issues: Directed toward healthcare services.
Common Questions Regarding Antwerp’s Nuisance Policy
Do offenders have to commit a crime to be arrested under this plan?
According to Nieuwsblad, known offenders listed in the police app can be arrested even if they “do nothing wrong” at the moment of the encounter.
How long does the detention last?
The guidelines specify that these administrative arrests must be carried out for the maximum legal duration of 12 hours, according to Nieuwsblad.
Who authorized this police approach?
VRT reports that the police are implementing these measures in consultation with the mayor of Antwerp.
Related reading