Description: In the past decade, Belgium, especially Brussels, has undergone significant demographic changes. A noteworthy development concerns the ethnic diversity of the population. According to Statsbel’s statistics, the number of Belgians of foreign origin has increased by nearly 31% between 2010 and 2021, placing the region far ahead in terms of ethnic diversity compared to other areas. Brussels is therefore considered a ‘superdiverse’ city, leading to considerable social challenges (Geldof, 2019; Vertovec, 2007).
It is widely accepted that the participation and representation of citizens in state institutions are fundamental pillars of democratic systems. The police, as the holder of the monopoly on legitimate violence, depends on the acceptance, approval, and cooperation of citizens to have its authority recognized (Tyler & Fagan, 2008). Thus, there exists a mutual dependency between the police apparatus and the residents within its jurisdiction. Building trust is essential, requiring that police work be considered legitimate by citizens. Despite this importance, research has shown that the Belgian police force fails to adequately reflect the contemporary demographic reality and does not fully fulfill its responsibility toward the representation of ethnic minorities within its ranks.
This project aims for a participative approach with the police and focuses on individuals with a migration background within the police or their noticeable absence. Utilizing a qualitative socio-anthropological and criminological approach, the project has three main goals: (1) identifying, registering, and documenting initiatives promoting ethnic diversity within the police apparatus; (2) examining the implementation of these diversity initiatives within the Brussels police, including recruitment processes, effects on police actions, and the perceptions of police officials regarding ethnic diversity; and (3) reflecting on models of ethnic diversity within the police apparatus, considering strengths, limitations, implementation issues, and identifying social dynamics offering insight into broader societal developments.
The project approach is forward-looking and emphasizes the need to strengthen the legitimacy of the police apparatus through a robust diversity police that influences the ‘police culture’. By identifying inadequate and fragmented ethnic diversity initiatives, the project aims to address two issues: a lack of diversity in the police ranks and a failure to integrate this diversity into police culture. These deficiencies have negative consequences for the functioning and legitimacy of the police apparatus among citizens. The project’s prospective approach aims to address these shortcomings and prepare Brussels for current and future challenges by deepening existing initiatives and proposing informed diversity measures.
Promotors: Maïté Maskens (ULB) & Sofie De Kimpe (VUB)
Researchers: Esther De Graaf & Nawal Bensaïd (ULB)
Partners: Collaboration between the ULB and the VUB and the research is going on within the Brussels Police.
Funding: Innoviris
Duration: January 2023 - end of 2025
Research Line: Policing and Surveillance