Former secretary of state for security and justice is going to be the over 600 security companies counting Association of Recognised Security Companies (VEB) in political The Hague. "Important," says chairman Jan Kuipers, "because we are good at our profession, but a bit weaker in politics."

Fred Teeven was introduced at the general membership meeting, which took place on 28 March. He said he had come into contact with the VEB constituency's profession a lot in his life. "I worked thirty years in detection and thirteen years in politics. In the process, I had to deal with both technology and personal security. My house had to be properly secured because of my position, and even today this is still important, because I work with sensitive customer information with my company. I also gained experience about reputation management and how to deal with the media. When do you go underwater with a straw in your mouth and when do you go into battle?"

Better public-private partnerships
The former state secretary said he was honoured by the invitation to represent the VEB, but set the condition that he could add something. "I do have something to do with your sector. During my political career, I have always advocated better cooperation between public and private security organisations, because together you achieve more. I was also always in favour of better information sharing between government and industry. To achieve this, it is also important that the government knows how to find the VEB if, for example, there is a need for advice on a legislative proposal relating to your sector. For example, a bill on camera surveillance. After all, such a development could have far-reaching consequences for your business operations. If the government talks about the retention period of images, as a sector you may well have something to say about it. So it is important that you have a say in politics. I can open doors and speak up for you. Not just about legislation, by the way. If you want a hearing in political The Hague, you will have to put issues on the agenda. You are in the field. If you then run into problems and several companies run into the same problems, it may make sense to make a political statement. In doing so, it is useful if you know people and I do. In politics, but also at VNO-NCW and MKB-Nederland. And don't forget the Association of Netherlands Municipalities. If you have an entrance there, you don't have to go to all municipalities with your views." Teeven will continue lobbying until the end of the year with the intention to continue after that time. But only after an evaluation has shown his added value to the association. "I am quite willing to be your flag bearer, but it is mainly about content," he said.

Source: Securitynews.co.uk