DUTCH POLICE

Each neighborhood has a special police officer here. We had Anja Schijver, for many years. As the representative or coordinator of our Kattenlaan neighborhood, I had much contact with her, about security issues, nuisances, traffic regulations and public space management. I found her to the point, wise and friendly. I was really fond of her.

Only once, Anja went against me, albeit in such a kind way that I fell for her charm. We had a neighborhood meeting with about 25 people, including Anja and people of the local government, about a number of irritations created by the manager of the tennis park that he kept ignoring for over two years, although he had not even a legal permission for the exploitation. When at the meeting he again refused to take us seriously, I lost my patience and got really angry at him.

After the meeting Anja said to me not to shout so much anymore. I said: ‘Yes, I understand. The police has to de-escalate in situations of tension.’ She smiled and turned her head off, as if to say: ‘Well, yes, I understand your anger.’

Anyway, my anger did work; sometimes another approach can be of help. To our great relief that tennis park manager packed his bags and left the neighborhood. Anja was silently happy with us. The tennis park got a manager who understands what to do and not to do without any suggestions or requests from our side.

Anja is now moving to another neighborhood in Amsterdam. Farewell, Anja!