Jan Willems

Prevention Officer, Directorate of Security and Prevention, City of Leuven (Belgium)

Jan Willems is head of the crime prevention service of the City of Leuven and local Project Manager manager for the Efus-led LOUD project, in which Leuven was a partner. This project saw youngsters and the local authority work together to produce alternative narratives to extremism and intolerance targeted for young people. 

 

 

Do you have any specific hopes or predictions for the future of urban security? (What will urban security look like in 30 years? What will be the main opportunities and risks?)

 

Digitisation will increasingly strengthen urban security, but a lot of effort will need to be put on protecting individual privacy and freedom.

 

 

Why do you think it is so important to involve citizens in urban security practice?

 

Participation and ‘a voice in decisions’ is important to ensure citizens support the policies.