Both forces are autonomous and subordinate to different authorities, but linked in regard to reciprocal support, recruitment, manpower mobility and common training.
A Belgian parliamentary report into a series of pedophile murders accused the police of negligence, amateurism and incompetence in investigating the cases.
It aims to restore public confidence in the police force and of improve the objective and subjective feeling of security in communities.
The rank insignia are rectangular plates that are worn on the left pocket flap of the uniform shirt, fleece, sweater, jacket, coat and/or bulletproof vest.
When performing public order maintenance operations (e.g. demonstrations and riots), police personnel wear a helmet in situations with increased risk of violence.
The helmet is plain white for inspectors (rank equivalent to police officer/constable) who function as section members during public order operations.
Chief-inspectors (who function as section chiefs) wear white helmets with one blue stripe running from back to front.
This is to prevent malevolent persons from identifying and subsequently threatening or harassing them as a revenge for being the subject of police operations.