Luxembourg's Minister for Internal Security, Henri Kox, has publicly distanced himself from allegations recently made by the SNPGL (Syndicat National de la Police Grand-Ducale) police union.
On Monday 8 February 2021, the SNPGL issued a press release in which it cited the recent death of an 18-year-old man in Luxembourg-Bonnevoie as an example of a growing feeling of insecurity in the capital. The union rejected recent claims by Minister Henri Kox that strengthening staff numbers and reorganising the police force would improve the situation. They argued that new recruits did not have enough time to undertake the necessary training or to gain sufficient experience in order to take part in such police interventions.
In response, the Minister for Internal Security argued that the "unfounded" allegations only "add[ed] fuel to the fire" and failed to contribute meaningfully to current discussion on the subject. Referring to the language used in Monday's press release, the minister claimed that such words were "unworthy" of a police union and were "not in accordance with the code of ethics adopted by the police which advocates respect and dialogue".
Minister Henri Kox reiterated his appeal for "an open and constructive dialogue". He added that the SNPGL's remarks were purely critical and failed to offer potential solutions to the issues in question.
The minister clarified that around 50 uniformed police officers (including police chiefs) are currently assigned to the three units covering the Luxembourg-Gare / Hollerich / Bonnevoie territory, spread over two or three shifts. An additional 20 seconded uniformed police officers are available to reinforce these three units spread over three shifts. Four of five staff members with civil status are workings as support for uniformed police officers, whilst eight civilian police officers are working in the criminal investigation department. There are also two dog handlers.
In addition, there are around 120 uniformed police officers from the CR3 Verlorenkost who cover the entire territory of the capital, including the aforementioned districts.
Minister Henri Kox added that the Grand Ducal Police have achieved many successes in the fight against illicit drugs since the start of 2021. This includes seventeen arrests in January (including eight in the capital) and three arrests in February (including two in the capital).
The minister also stressed that the solution to the problem of delinquency and drug trafficking must be multidisciplinary and involves the participation of many different players.
