What's really so bad about a general identification requirement?
A general identification requirement won't lead to the arrest of any more
crooks or 'terrorists,' because it's easy enough for such people to obtain
false papers. But for ordinary citizens, the ID requirement is very annoying.
People of color might be asked for their papers at the slightest provocation,
the pretext being that the officer wants to check whether they're one of Minister
Verdonk's 26,000 "failed asylum-seekers." Names of peaceful protesters
might also end up on long lists. And for many families, acquiring one or more
ID cards represents an extra expense that might be difficult to meet.
Our opposition to the general identification requirement is also a matter of principle. By requiring everybody to show their "papers," the state is effectively treating everyone like a suspect. People who don't bother anyone shouldn't be bothered by officials either.
Isn't harassing officers a bit childish?
An officer who misuses the new law and who, for example, 'checks' immigrants for no particular reason, is guilty of harassing immigrants. If the officer can't do so anonymously, all the fun will be taken out of it. And citizens who are still harrassed will easily be able to file a complaint against the agent in question.
Aren't there some police officers who are totally normal and well-meaning?
Of course there are. So they shouldn't bother totally normal, well-meaning citizens.
Are police officers really required to identify themselves?
"According to article 2 of the Regulations, a police officer wearing
civilian clothes is required to identify him- or herself without being asked,
and a uniformed officer must identify him- or herself upon request."
From: Summary of the new regulations (PDF,
72kb)
Will this campaign really prevent police officers from abusing their responsibilities?
We think it will. But that's all up to you.
Where can you file a complaint against an officer who abuses the new law?
Oddly enough, you can only do so with the police. We're trying to do something about this, but it might take a while. If you file a complaint, please let us know: klachten@gelijkoversteken.org
