Police Training Coordinator Mark Halfmouw. The Crucial Role of Police Trainers in Dutch Society

Mark Halfmouw has been working with the police since 1992, including positions in the riot police (ME), surveillance and arrest teams (VAG), and special intervention units (SWAT). Since 2003, he has been with IBT (Integrated Professional Skills Training). Mark was the MD team chief at the Police Academy Amsterdam and, since 2022, has been the Coordinator of IBT Rotterdam. In this in-depth conversation with Mark, the crucial role of IBT instructors (police trainers) in our democratic society is highlighted. Mark discusses the significant responsibility of IBT instructors in use-of-force training and shares personal stories and anecdotes about the impact of IBT training on daily police work and how it contributes to the success and safety of police officers in practice. He reflects on the evolution of IBT training and its adaptation to the changing needs of the police and society. The conversation concludes with Mark's pride in the profession of IBT instructor, which requires a true jack-of-all-trades. An IBT instructor must possess technical skills, mental resilience, knowledge and experience in police work, teaching skills, effective communication skills to convey knowledge and provide feedback, and the ability to be empathetic and support colleagues in their personal and professional development. This conversation offers inspiring insights for anyone interested in the profession of IBT instructor.