Between Safety and Freedom: The Impact of Security Risk Areas

Source Photo: Google, Background Photo: A security risk area has been designated at the fair in Hoevelaken

Recently, I watched an episode of the program Rachel valt binnen on Dutch national television (NPO). In this program, Rachel follows the police and explains police work to children in an accessible way. In the episode in question, Rachel accompanied the well-known police vlogger Jan Willem. Together with his colleague, he stopped a group of young people after camera footage showed them producing knives. During the conversation with the youths, it was explained that they were in a security risk area. As a result, the police were allowed to frisk them preventively and cameras also monitored them. In this program, a brief and child-friendly explanation is given—because it is a children’s program—about what a security risk area is. But what exactly is a security risk area? Below you will find a more detailed explanation.

A security risk area is a zone designated by the mayor within a municipality where there is an increased risk of public order disturbances. This can, for example, involve areas where incidents involving weapons, stabbings, or other serious events occur more frequently. Security risk areas are also designated in the context of combating terrorism and extremism. Think of locations with a higher risk of a terrorist attack, such as airports, train stations, government buildings, or places where large groups of people gather. In these areas, it is crucial that the police can act quickly and preventively to safeguard public safety.

The reasons for designating a security risk area can vary. Sometimes, there is an increase in weapon-related incidents among young people, such as stabbings or robberies. In other cases, there may be an increased threat of terrorism or extremism, for example, after a concrete threat or an attack elsewhere in Europe. By designating an area as a security risk area, the police are given additional powers to frisk people preventively and monitor the area, even if there is no direct suspicion against a person. This enables quicker intervention and helps prevent incidents.

When an area is designated as a security risk area, this is clearly communicated to the public. Municipalities publish the decision on their website, in local media, and sometimes with signs in the area itself. The police, with the permission of the public prosecutor, may frisk anyone in the area for weapons. Camera surveillance is also often used to detect risky situations early and to intervene if necessary. This does not only happen in entertainment districts or city centres, but also at locations sensitive to terrorist threats, such as large events or critical infrastructure.

The episode of Rachel valt binnen clearly demonstrates how security risk areas work in practice. Young people were checked because they were in such an area and there were indications of weapon possession. Security risk areas are also regularly established at places like Schiphol Airport, around the Binnenhof in The Hague, or at major concerts and sporting events, precisely because of the risk of extremism or terrorism. The aim here is not only to prevent violence involving weapons, but also to protect citizens from large-scale threats.

Designating a security risk area is a far-reaching measure that affects fundamental rights such as privacy and freedom of movement. Therefore, this measure may only be used when truly necessary, and the area and duration of the designation must be as limited as possible. Municipalities and the police must carefully weigh whether the measure is proportionate and whether there are no less intrusive alternatives.

As seen in the example from Rachel valt binnen, the concept of a security risk area is of great significance in practice for addressing a wide range of security issues, from weapon-related violence to terrorism. But who actually decides to designate such an area? And how is this legally regulated? We will discuss that in the next section.

The Legal Basis: Who Can Designate a Security Risk Area?

The authority to designate a security risk area in the Netherlands is strictly regulated by law. The main legal basis for this is Article 151b of the Municipalities Act. According to this law, only the mayor can designate a security risk area, and may do so only if the municipal council has granted this authority through the General Local Regulation (APV). The mayor does not make this decision alone: it always happens in consultation with the police and the public prosecutor, known as the “triangle consultation.” The public prosecutor plays a crucial role, as only with their permission can the police actually proceed with preventive frisking in the designated area.

The central government, such as the Ministry of Justice and Security or the National Coordinator for Counterterrorism and Security (NCTV), does not have direct decision-making authority. However, they do set the legal frameworks and provide advice or support, especially in cases of terrorism or extremism threats. In exceptional, urgent situations, the mayor can also designate an area as a security risk area without prior approval from the municipal council, but this designation is then valid for a maximum of twelve hours and must be formalized and announced as soon as possible.

How is a Security Risk Area Designated? The Step-by-Step Procedure

The designation of a security risk area follows a fixed procedure, designed to ensure care and legal certainty. It usually starts with signals from the neighborhood, reports from citizens, or analysis of incidents by the police. If this information shows that there is an increased risk of, for example, violence involving weapons, terrorism, or serious public order disturbances, the matter is discussed in the triangle consultation between the mayor, police, and public prosecutor.

If the risk is deemed high enough, the mayor draws up a formal decision. This document specifies exactly which area is involved, why it is being designated, the period it covers, and which measures may be taken. Often, a map is added showing the boundaries of the area. The decision is made public so that everyone knows where and when the measure applies. The public prosecutor can then issue an order for preventive frisking. The police can then check people, vehicles, and bags in the designated area without any specific suspicion. The measure is regularly evaluated and can be withdrawn if the risk has diminished.

What Measures Apply in a Security Risk Area?

Special measures apply in a security risk area, going beyond normal police work. The most well-known is preventive frisking: the police may check anyone in the area for weapons, even if there is no specific suspicion. This often takes place in busy areas, at entertainment venues, stations, or during events. The aim is to prevent people from carrying weapons and using them for criminal activities or violent incidents.

Camera surveillance is also often used. Cameras not only help in detecting criminal offenses but also have a preventive effect: people generally behave more cautiously if they know they are being watched. In some cases, area bans can be imposed on people who repeatedly cause trouble or pose a danger, or assembly bans to prevent groups from gathering with the risk of escalation. All these measures are temporary and are only applied as long as the risk is actually present. The municipality must always weigh whether the measures are proportionate and whether there are less intrusive alternatives.

Practical Examples and Current Situations

In practice, there are countless examples of security risk areas. In major cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Utrecht, parts of the city centre, entertainment districts, or stations are regularly designated as security risk areas, especially after incidents involving weapons or during major events. For example, the area around Leidseplein in Amsterdam was designated a security risk area after a series of stabbing incidents among young people. In Rotterdam, parts of the city centre and entertainment district are regularly designated, especially during busy weekends or after unrest in the city.

But security risk areas are not only found in major cities. In smaller municipalities, the mayor can also decide on this measure, for example, after a wave of violence or in the event of extremism threats. Think of a village square where young people are carrying knives, or an industrial area where criminal activities are taking place. Security risk areas are also established around sensitive locations such as airports, stations, the Binnenhof, or during international summits, precisely because of the risk of terrorism or extremism. These examples show that the instrument can be used flexibly, depending on the local situation and the nature of the threat.

The Role of National Agencies such as the NCTV

Although the designation of a security risk area is a local authority, national agencies such as the NCTV (National Coordinator for Counterterrorism and Security) play an important supporting role. The NCTV does not have direct decision-making authority but provides expertise, analysis, and advice, especially in cases of terrorism or extremism threats. In times of heightened threat, the NCTV can advise on taking extra security measures, for example, around airports, government buildings, or major events.

The NCTV acts as a link between local and national crisis structures. In the event of a concrete threat, the NCTV can be involved in local consultations, so that information is quickly shared and measures are well coordinated. The NCTV also supports municipalities with risk and crisis communication, ensuring that citizens are well informed in the event of a threat or incident. For objects of national importance, such as the Royal House or certain infrastructure, the NCTV can decide directly on security measures, but the designation of municipal security risk areas always remains the responsibility of the mayor.

Information Provision, Transparency, and Consequences for Citizens

Transparency is essential when designating a security risk area. Municipalities are required to make their decisions public and clearly communicate where and when an area has been designated. This is done via the municipal website, local media, and sometimes with signs in the area itself. National platforms such as Overheid.nl and the Risk Map also provide up-to-date information on designated areas.

For citizens, living or being present in a security risk area has direct consequences. Anyone can be frisked preventively, even without specific suspicion. As a citizen, you are required to cooperate if the police request it. There may also be cameras, and area or assembly bans may apply. These measures are intended to increase safety, but they do infringe on fundamental rights such as privacy and freedom of movement. It is therefore important that municipalities use these powers carefully and that citizens are well aware of their rights and obligations within a security risk area.

Discussion: Usefulness, Effectiveness, and Fundamental Rights

The establishment of security risk areas leads to public debate. Proponents point to the importance of safety and preventing incidents. Preventive frisking and camera surveillance can have a deterrent effect and contribute to citizens’ sense of security. Opponents are concerned about the infringement of fundamental rights such as privacy, freedom of movement, and the right not to be checked without cause. There are also questions about effectiveness: does preventive frisking actually lead to less violence involving weapons, or does the problem simply shift elsewhere?

Research shows that security risk areas mainly have a signaling function and can strengthen the sense of security. At the same time, the effect on actually reducing violence involving weapons is difficult to measure. Municipalities must therefore always carefully weigh safety against fundamental rights and only use the measure when it is truly necessary. Regular evaluation and transparency are indispensable in this regard.

Useful Sources and Where to Find Current Information

For those who want to know more about security risk areas or want to know whether such an area has been designated in their own environment, there are several reliable sources. The Risk Map (www.risicokaart.nl) provides an overview of high-risk locations and areas throughout the Netherlands, including security risk areas. The Atlas Leefomgeving (www.atlasleefomgeving.nl) shows where external safety risks exist, such as hazardous substances, flood risks, and more.

In addition, municipalities publish their decisions on their own websites and via local media. On Overheid.nl you will find official announcements of designated areas. You can also always contact the municipal office for current information. By using these sources, you as a citizen will stay well informed about the security measures in your area.

As a Radicalization and Terrorism Expert, I find it important to provide clarity about security measures that can have a significant impact on citizens’ daily lives. In my work, I see how essential it is for people to understand why certain areas are designated as security risk areas, what threats underlie these decisions, and how these measures help prevent violence and extremism. With this blog, I aim not only to inform but also to stimulate discussion about the balance between safety and fundamental rights, so that we can work together towards a society that is resilient to threats while still allowing room for freedom and trust.

If, after reading this blog, you have any questions about security risk areas, radicalization, terrorism, or the impact of these measures on society, please do not hesitate to contact me. I am open to questions, discussion, or sharing experiences, and I am happy to think along about solutions and policy. Together, we can ensure more clarity, understanding, and a safe, resilient society.