The revision of the general police regulation, which consolidates the main rules for public order, safety, cleanliness, and public health, was prompted by the renewal of the penal code on September 1, 2026. The goal is to align the regulations with the current societal context and local needs, thereby increasing transparency for residents and efficiency for police services.
Drafting a single joint regulation was a complex undertaking, given the distinct challenges and local priorities of the three municipalities, which encompass both urban and rural environments. The new regulation aims to enable a uniform approach while respecting these diverse contexts.
Municipal administrative sanctions (GAS) will also be incorporated into the integrated police regulation, with adjusted fine amounts that can reach a maximum of 500 euros. Several existing regulations will henceforth be handled separately to allow the new police regulation to concentrate on its core tasks.
Furthermore, the coordinated police regulation for public events is also being updated. The police zone has had a joint framework for events since 2011, but some provisions had become outdated or were applied differently across municipalities. The revision realigns these rules, ensuring that public events will henceforth adhere to the same principles in Eeklo, Sint-Laureins, and Kaprijke.
The new regulation was already approved by the municipal council on October 15 in Sint-Laureins and on October 19 in Eeklo. In Kaprijke, it will be presented to the municipal council on October 29. Upon approval by all three municipal councils, the integrated general police and GAS regulation, along with the coordinated regulation for public events, can take effect no earlier than November 1, 2026.
