Hasselt – Schools in Hasselt are implementing the Limburg Capital Region police’s updated 2025 safety protocol, which encompasses 30 educational institutions and provides guidance on matters including safety, sexual assault, online risks, and police engagement, reports 24brussels.
The revised protocol aims to enhance student safety and support across the police zone, which includes Alken, Diepenbeek, Hasselt, Herk-de-Stad, Lummen, and Zonhoven. As highlighted by VRT News, the initiative signifies a renewed commitment by local authorities to ensure a secure environment for pupils.
Commissioner Bart Appeltans noted that, although there has been a school protocol in place for years, its visibility had declined over time, resulting in many new staff members being unaware of its provisions. The updated protocol is now disseminated as an accessible brochure designed to be prominently displayed in staff rooms.
“We’ve now included many things that happen online in the protocol, such as sexting, but also radicalisation. This mainly occurs through chat rooms and other online applications. The role of schools in signalling radicalisation is also included in the new protocol,”
stated Commissioner Appeltans regarding the significant updates.
What does the 2025 Limburg police protocol mean for Hasselt schools?
The protocol also outlines procedures for cases where students report incidents occurring outside school premises. It offers instructors and staff clear directions on how to proceed, ensuring that affected individuals receive appropriate support and that the proper authorities are informed.
“In the school protocol, we emphasise that victims can go directly to the care centre, even if they prefer not to file a complaint,”
commented Tamara Van Gucht, Chief Inspector of Family and Morals at the Detective Department.
Previously, schools were mandated to contact police whenever they became aware of a criminal offense, necessitating a formal case opening by law enforcement. Commissioner Van Gucht elaborated on the changes:
“Now, a victim has a choice. Schools must decide whether or not to involve the police.”
“We have to call the police 4 to 6 times per school year,”
noted Catherine Mulders, deputy director of Hasselt Catholic Education.
The updated protocol also provides actionable directives for educators in Hasselt and surrounding areas. Mulders emphasized that the brochure clarifies how schools should respond to incidents occurring within educational settings. Although police involvement remains infrequent, it primarily concerns serious matters such as drug incidents or physical aggression towards students. On average, schools initiate contact with police between four and six times each academic year.
The Limburg Capital Region police zone has long been committed to overseeing student safety through its school protocols. The initial protocol was introduced in 2010, but interest waned over time, leading many new staff to be uninformed about its details. The opening of the Sexual Assault Treatment Centre in Genk in 2023 prompted authorities to integrate information regarding its services into the updated school guidelines.
