Motorcycle police officers in the Netherlands are gearing up for a significant security operation as they prepare to escort VIPs during the upcoming NATO summit in The Hague. Scheduled for June 24 and 25, 2025, this summit is expected to be one of the largest logistical and security operations ever undertaken in the country, with an impressive 27,000 police officers deployed to ensure safety.
On Tuesday morning, May 7, 2025, motorcycle officers from the police force of Noord-Nederland participated in a specialized training session at a police station in Drachten. This training is crucial as it involves not only a general presentation but also the innovative use of virtual reality (VR) glasses. These VR devices allow officers to explore the routes they will take while escorting world leaders, ministers, and delegates during the summit.
Arwin, one of the motorcycle officers from Team Traffic in Noord-Nederland, shared his perspective on the upcoming event. “I’m a nuchtere Groninger,” he said, emphasizing that it doesn’t matter to him who is in the car, even if it’s the American president, Donald Trump. He remarked, “As long as they arrive at their destination, that’s what’s important.” Arwin, who usually operates alone in his daily duties across Drenthe, Friesland, and Groningen, expressed excitement about the collaborative effort required for the NATO summit. “We can work well together, so it often goes very well,” he noted.
The training in Drachten is particularly advantageous. Edwin, the commander of the motorcycle officers, explained that it allows officers to familiarize themselves with the routes without having to travel all the way to The Hague for training. “What’s ideal is that the motorcycle officers who escort the VIPs from A to B and B to C, and ultimately back to A, know the routes,” he explained. He added that seeing the routes visually with the VR glasses makes their job significantly easier during the actual event.
As the officers prepare for this monumental occasion, the sense of responsibility is palpable. Edwin described the NATO summit as “very special,” noting that such events occur only once every ten to fifteen years. “I find it very special that so many government leaders are coming to The Hague, on such a small postage stamp, and that we, with such a small group of motorcycle officers, get to do this work to facilitate everything smoothly,” he said.
The NATO summit is not just a significant event for the motorcycle officers; it will also impact the accessibility of The Hague. From June 22 to June 26, 2025, traffic and public transport in the area will be affected as security measures are put into place. This will likely lead to increased congestion and delays, as local authorities prepare for the influx of international dignitaries.
In addition to the motorcycle officers, the police will implement a layered security approach, with measures becoming progressively stricter as one gets closer to the World Forum, the venue for the summit. The police are working closely with the military police and the Ministry of Defence to ensure that all aspects of security are covered.
The use of VR technology in police training showcases how modern techniques can enhance preparedness for large-scale events. This innovative approach not only helps officers familiarize themselves with the routes but also builds confidence in their ability to manage the escort duties effectively.
As the NATO summit draws near, the excitement and anticipation among the officers are evident. They recognize the importance of their roles in ensuring the safety of world leaders and the smooth operation of the event. With the training sessions underway, officers like Arwin and Edwin are committed to making the summit a success.
Ultimately, the NATO summit represents not just a logistical challenge but also an opportunity for the Netherlands to showcase its capabilities on an international stage. As the motorcycle officers hone their skills and prepare for the task ahead, the focus remains on safety, efficiency, and professionalism. The upcoming event will not only test their skills but also highlight the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies across the nation.
As preparations continue, the world will be watching how the Netherlands handles this high-profile gathering. The commitment of the motorcycle police officers and their innovative training methods are just a glimpse of the extensive planning that has gone into making this summit a success.
