The Federal Police's Directorate of Security (DAB), responsible in particular for transferring detainees, needs an additional 307 agents, L'Avenir newspaper reported on Monday.
Citing figures provided by the Minister of the Interior, Annelies Verlinden (CD&V), the daily noted that this was 22% of the staff component the DAB should have.
Responding to a query from legislator Pierre Jadoul (Mouvement Réformateur), the Minister acknowledged that the Security Department was experiencing "capacity problems," since it had to take on new tasks from the end of 2022. The DAB is also facing an increased workload, due, among other things, to the opening of the Haren prison and a number of major trials.
In addition, "since January 2023, the DAB's assumption of responsibility for securing sensitive nuclear sites in Flanders has mobilised a large number of officers, and the number of detainees in the country has increased significantly, requiring more transfers."
At present, therefore, "the DAB is having to make choices and prioritise its two main missions, which are the transfer of detainees and the policing of courts and tribunals," the Minister explained.
However, she promised that 240 new officers would be recruited next year.
Ms. Verlinden also pointed out that discussions were underway to improve the planning process with all the partners involved, including the judiciary and the Directorate General of Prisons.
