Belgium has a new police uniform. After 22 years, the officers of the Belgian Integrated Police are finally getting an update. This change is not only driven by the outdated design, but also by a longstanding image problem. In this article, I explain everything about the new police uniform.

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The old Belgium police uniform

Before we look at the new uniforms, it’s important to first examine what the officers have been wearing up to now.

In terms of appearance, the old uniform is rather simple. The suit consists of various dark blue shades without any noticeable details. According to Nicholas Paelinck, chairman of the Permanent Commission of Local Police and chief of the West Coast police zone, this uniform is a disgrace for the Belgian police. In August 2023, he expressed his frustration during an interview with Het Laatste Nieuws (HLN).

“Our uniform commands no respect. (…) When I visit colleagues from other countries, I am deeply embarrassed. We look like we’re part of a marching band. I wear it as little as possible.”

Belgium has a new police uniform

Although the design leaked in 2023, the uniform was finally officially presented on May 31st. During a meeting with Annelies Verlinden, Minister of the Interior, both the new clothing and the new appearance of the vehicles were revealed.

Development of the new uniform

In 2021, following requests from the police, Minister Verlinden included plans for a new uniform in the General Policy Statement. A steering group was then set up, with the Local and Federal Police as chairpersons.

After several designers submitted their proposals, it was ultimately the Dutch designer Karin Slegers who was tasked with developing the entire clothing package. She is no stranger to functional workwear, having previously designed uniforms for Schiphol Airport and Ambulance Care Netherlands.

During the development of the new clothing package, four aspects were important:

1. Visual identity;
2. Functionality;
3. Well-being & safety;
4. Sustainable development.

Additionally, the Belgian police chose to work with a layering system. The clothing package includes a thermal layer, a comfort layer, a thermal top layer, a windproof top layer, a waterproof top layer, and a ballistic layer.

At the same time, the overall appearance of the clothing package has also changed. As a result, opinions on social media are divided. In particular, the combination of reflective elements with fluorescent yellow quickly leads to comparisons with the Dutch police.

Relationship between citizens and police

Paelinck is pleased with the new uniform. “It is with great pride and some emotion that I can speak today about the new visual identity of the Integrated Police. (…) It is my personal belief that this renewed visual identity will also strengthen the trust relationship between citizens and police, thus contributing to a higher quality of life in society.”

In this statement, he highlights the core issue. The relationship between citizens and the police in Belgium remains strained. Violent incidents against police officers are increasing. At the end of 2022, an officer was stabbed in the neck in Brussels and later died from his injuries, which caused public outrage. Police officers took to the streets to protest, not only against the violence but also to demand higher wages and a better end-of-career arrangement. Minister Verlinden promised to take action.

Officers will still have to wait a bit for the new uniforms. The rollout is scheduled for the end of 2026 and early 2027. I expect that the new uniforms will support officers in their enforcement duties and help reduce violence against the police.

What do you think of the new clothing?

 

Want to read more about the new Belgian police uniform?

Also check:

• The new Belgian police uniform deemed “too Flemish”
• New Belgian uniforms tested in 13 police zones

Greetings,

Aileen

Last update: 17/04/2026