The Hague – Internal police report from Sinterklaas in Amsterdam

The imminent celebration of Sinterklaas raised questions about which the police position regarding Zwarte Piet is raised with regard to internal celebrations. Within police forces, police forces and police chiefs, there has long been talk of internal celebrations. The starting point is that the internal celebrations in Sinterklaas should be a party for and everyone, let the police direction and the leadership of the unit know.

Sinterklaas has been celebrated in the police for decades. A beautiful tradition to which almost everyone participates. Every year, colleagues from our body celebrate this holiday. This is still the case this year. And that will remain the case.
Conductivity
For a long time, each unit has been looking for an interpretation of internal celebrations in Sinterklaas where all colleagues can feel comfortable. First of all, we are a font for and for all. We have the eye and the ear for colleagues who feel Zwarte Piet also painful during the internal celebrations in Sinterklaas. The Sinterklaas festival is a feast of connection, but some expressions of this holiday hurt people. Where such painful experiences exist, we examine together how to solve this problem. As colleagues, we can expect one to the other.
The movement to complete the internal celebrations has already started. It was agreed that each unit that gives shape in its own way. Each unit operates at the rate of society in this region. This means that the tempo can vary from one unit to another. In some units, such as Amsterdam, two years ago, it was already stated that Zwarte Piet was no longer suitable for internal celebrations in Sinterklaas. one of the first feels. We know how sensitive this is, we want to conduct it with respect and mutual understanding. This is why police forces and police chiefs have already invited their colleagues last year to talk to each other and to seek an internal celebration in Sinterklaas that is enjoyable for all.
It is a progressive development, taking into account the local events mentioned above. context and starting position. For the conversation to run smoothly, it takes time and a period up to 2020 has been taken. After that, the interpretation of Zwarte Piet is no longer allowed with stereotypical features such as a black crown, red lips, ear loops and a face evenly painted black when internal celebrations in Sinterklaas. potentially violent reactions that this intention will provoke. Nevertheless, they hope that this discussion can be conducted with respect and mutual understanding. Each party to this discussion has respectable interests. And of course the discussion should not be to the detriment of the children, the party or any of the others. We want it to be fun for everyone.