The inspectorate overseeing local and federal police is calling for more frequent checks on the 50,000 officers within its ranks, extending beyond the initial recruitment

phase, as part of efforts to combat corruption, according to reports from De Standaard and Het Nieuwsblad on Tuesday.

The agency is urging negotiators involved in forming the federal government to prioritize integrity among police personnel. Inspector-General Thierry Gillis emphasized this in a memorandum addressed to the negotiating parties, calling for heightened vigilance as "criminals, and even terrorist organizations, are attempting to infiltrate and undermine civil society from within."

“It is possible that these groups are also targeting our police and intelligence services,” Gillis warned.

Screening for Sensitive Roles

The inspectorate’s most notable recommendation is that all 50,000 officers should undergo regular screening throughout their careers, not just during the recruitment process. The memo states, "Currently, preventive checks are only conducted during the hiring process. However, officers should be regularly screened during their career, particularly those in key positions."

The inspectorate suggests that screenings be conducted at key career points, such as during promotions or transfers to different departments. In particular, officers moving into sensitive units, like anti-terrorism, anti-drug trafficking, or anti-corruption departments, should be subject to thorough background checks. Photo by Dickelbers, Wikimedia commons.