Two Major Belgian Police Zones Merge.. Creating Limburg’s Third Largest Force

The upcoming police zone merger in Limburg is set to reshape local law enforcement significantly. The fusion between the Beringen/Ham/Tessenderlo and Heusden-Zolder police zones has been in the works for years, with close cooperation dating back to 2014. As of 2025-05-16 20:53:00, this strategic move promises to enhance policing efficiency and community safety across the region.

Since September 2023, the two zones have shared a common intervention policy and central coordination, culminating in a formal association agreement earlier this year. Officers have even adopted the same yellow uniforms, symbolizing unity ahead of the official merger. But what does this mean for residents and local governance?

With the fusion aiming for completion by mid-2026, the new police zone will become one of Limburg’s largest, serving over 114,000 inhabitants. This development raises important questions about resource allocation, community impact, and future policing priorities.

Why merge now, and how will this affect local safety? The fusion is a response to existing synergies and aims to improve operational capacity and specialisation. Key points include:

• Increased staffing with 20 extra officers, totalling 189 operational and 47 administrative personnel
• Central headquarters in Beringen, with satellite offices in Heusden-Zolder and Tessenderlo-Ham
• Enhanced focus on challenges like street racing, cybercrime, and domestic violence
• Additional municipal funding to support specialised policing efforts

As the police councils prepare to approve the merger later this year, residents and local authorities alike should stay informed and engaged. How will this new structure serve your community? The coming months will be crucial in shaping a more responsive and capable police force for Limburg’s future.