Safety and Security in Nightlife Areas in the Netherlands: Choice Architecture With Technology

Safety and Security in Nightlife Areas in the Netherlands: Choice Architecture With Technology

Mirjam Galetzka, Randy Bloeme, Peter W. de Vries, Manja Abraham, Joris Van Hoof, Paul van Soomeren
Copyright: © 2021 |Pages: 17
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-7998-7004-3.ch013
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Abstract

Nightlife areas aim to offer a hospitable environment for a public that is looking for entertainment but also produces nuisance. A recent paradigm shift focuses on changing public behavior rather than policing. This chapter describes two case studies from the Netherlands. The observations showed that at night the nightlife areas become an unofficial ‘festival zone' with large groups of tobacco smokers on the streets. Noise from these smokers (and friends) was identified as a major problem. Based on the lessons learned, a behavioral intervention approach is proposed that relies on multi-stakeholder participation and combines technology and choice architecture. The use of technology is relevant in several steps of the approach, and can be useful in facilitating behavior, reducing the impact of disruptive behavior, and monitoring the effectiveness of interventions. However, the Amsterdam case study also suggests that technology should rather be a small component of a broader positive behavioral and multi-stakeholder approach.
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A Paradigm Shift In Policing The Night: From Policing To Managing

Although cities are trying to stimulate the (economic) success of urban nightlife, safety and security during the night, these cities are often approached from a law enforcement and security perspective (Roberts & Elridge, 2009). This often leads to intensifying police presence and interventions and security (Helms, 2008). However, a growing body of research shows that intensifying police and security does not necessarily lead to a more safe and sound nightlife or reduce crime and nuisance in general. Even the contrary might be true: officer—especially when in full gear—often ‘provokes’ aggressive and rough and roughly behaviour (Bloeme & Van Soomeren, 2021; De Vries et al., 2014; Holgersson & Knutsson, 2011).

In 2012, the local police and the city of Amsterdam concluded that a paradigm shift was needed. This new paradigm focused on changing attitudes, social norms and public behaviour, activating the social responsibility of club owners and authorities working on norm enforcement instead of combatting excesses (Politie Amsterdam-Amstelland, 2012). In this chapter, we look at this new approach focusing on changing public behaviour.

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