Dutch rail operator NS wants to equip some of its security staff with batons in response to a rising number of violent incidents. The company has asked the justice ministry for permission to carry out a pilot scheme involving 75 out of 680 employees.

The trial would apply to staff members who are part of the NS service and security department and already have the power to detain and fine passengers. They currently wear bodycams, carry handcuffs and wear protective clothing, but do not carry weapons.

Staff are divided about the issue, NOS said, with some arguing they did not join the railway firm to carry weapons.

NS director of social safety Itai Birger told NOS that the duties of NS security staff are increasingly resembling those of the police, while police officers are less visible in stations due to staffing shortages.

“That means our colleagues are more often left to deal with situations on their own,” he said.  “So we want to know if the use of a baton can support them.”

The number of violent incidents involving NS staff has risen steadily in recent years, particularly since the Covid pandemic. Last year, some 340 incidents were registered, compared with 160 in 2019.

The justice ministry confirmed it had received NS’s request and that welcomed the company’s efforts to improve staff safety. The review will now be handled by the ministry’s screening body Justis to decide if the trial can go ahead.