NS gets green light to give some security staff batons

Some Dutch railway security staff are to be allowed to carry batons in a trial aimed at improving their safety, the NS said on Friday.

The government-approved pilot will apply to 75 members of the safety and service unit, who are recognisable by their bright yellow uniforms. Security staff already carry handcuffs and wear bodycams.

NS applied for permission to equip some workers with batons in the summer following a series of attacks on staff.

“Every day, an average of three NS employees are threatened or face aggression,” junior transport minister Thierry Aartsen said. “They must be able to defend themselves.”

The trial will start next year. It is not yet clear which stations will be involved.