With over 30,000 students, Leuven has an unique outlook. In a way, it relieves the police forces; but at the same time, it brings about specific problems related to student life. The student cop of Leuven, Nick Vanden Bussche, makes sure those problems are handled in a student friendly way.

The Voice - You are a K.U.Leuven graduate. What did you study yourself and how did you come to work as student cop?

Vanden Bussche: I studied at the law faculty of the K.U.Leuven. During my education I specialised mostly in criminal law and informatics law. After achieving my licentiate’s diploma – as it was called back then – I started working in the international banking and insurance group Fortis Bank. Soon however I realised that sitting inside an office was not my cup of tea. I decided I needed a job with a lot of variation and little desk work. So the police force came to mind.

I started working with the intervention service of the police force of Leuven. When the position of student inspector cleared last summer, I was asked for this task, because of my knowledge of student life. In September 2009 I took up my new position.

The Voice - Are you unique in your position, or are there also other student cops in other student towns such as Gent and Antwerpen?

Vanden Bussche: In Belgium I’m the only one and even, as far as I know, in the rest of Europe. Thus I’m being contacted a lot from other student cities in Belgium when they’re faced with a student related problem without immediate solution. Since this is enriching for me as well, I gladly co-operate with the questions of these other cities.

The Voice - What is the concrete function and added value of a student cop in Leuven? Doesn’t the normal police force suffice?

Vanden Bussche: A student is a very specific being with a very own lifestyle, own worries and problems. In addition to this the relation between students and the police is one of love and hate. The police officers the students meet are the ones that give them fines, whereas the police actually realises a lot of positive things for students. By creating a special function, I was given the opportunity to get to know these students well and hang out with them. By interacting with students, we see that actually all of us together want to help build a unique city in which life is good for students as well. I try to be as accessible for students as possible. Every student can write me an email ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) and you can even find me on Facebook (‘studenteninspecteur Politie Leuven’).

The Voice - What do you think of the general relation between the students of Leuven and the police? You mentioned a ‘love-hate-relationship’.

Vanden Bussche: I think this relationship is the consequence of a mutual misunderstanding. Some actions of the police do have a deeper meaning but the students perceive them as bullying. When the officers take the time however to explain a student why something is or isn’t being done, we notice a lot of understanding. The police is confronted with thousands of new students every year, while thousands of others leave.. So every year we can start over with explaining students what is and isn’t allowed and this can be frustrating. It is my special challenge to improve the mutual understanding. Inside the force we campaign for this and I try to interact with students as much as possible.

The Voice - What are the biggest dangers for students in Leuven?

Vanden Bussche: Leuven is a city that never sleeps. There are people on the streets 24/7 and because of this unique social control it is a very safe city. So I think the biggest danger for students is themselves, especially their nonchalance. I’m scared every time I see a student racing down Tiensestraat without lights on his bike, well knowing that if a truck enters the street, the driver will never notice the biker in that narrow, winding, dark street. Together with cycling in pedestrian zones, bike lighting and one-way traffic are my main points of action concerning traffic safety.

The Voice - What annoys police and citizens most about the Leuven student population?

Vanden Bussche: Students are definitely an enrichment for the city. With their presence and activities they contribute to the common safety and vivid atmosphere in the city. Sometimes we see however that in exercising their own freedom, students don’t take the other inhabitants in account and cause trouble and nuisance (loud house parties, night noise, urination in the streets…). Police action is required then.

The Voice - Is there anything you would like to say to the international student in particular?

Vanden Bussche: I hope that, next to good study results, they acquire a lot of wisdom because this is much more important. I am equally at the service of international students so they can contact me as well when they think I can help them with something. |

The Student Cop is on Facebook, add him as a friend! http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?ref=sgm&id=100000221749575