Education Discussing professionalism and resilience during Police Academy Q&A event Written on Friday, April 18, 2025 Why is the work of a criminal defence lawyer a balancing act? Well-known former lawyer Wim Anker opened the Q&A event at the Netherlands Police Academy in Drachten by sharing his story. Students, coaches and lecturers heard him explain the five principles that he and his twin brother and business partner (of criminal law firm Anker & Anker) always applied in their profession. Because that was the topic of this day: developing yourself as a professional. Speakers from both the police and beyond provided the inspiration to exchange ideas and views on this subject. After the opening, the participants had the opportunity to talk to various speakers. Jurgen is a dog handler in the police. He talked about his motivation to always be the first in line to help his colleagues. Unfortunately, he paid a mental price for that, but his love for the police profession helped him recover. Resilience was a recurring topic that was discussed by various speakers. Showing emotions One of those speakers was Marc Pollen, who served in both the Marine Corps and the special forces. He talked with students about knowing your own core values: who do you want to be? And how emotions and learning to recover are very important in finding that out, because they force you to take a step back and zoom out, rather than just keeping on going. Student Bram is now in the second quarter of his training at the Police Academy in Drachten. He has already received training in mental resilience. Bram: ‘To me, vulnerability was the central topic of the day. What I take away from today is that it is important to show your emotions. You shouldn’t bottle up the impact that drastic events have on you but talk about them instead. Using mental tools can help you with this. Showing vulnerability is a point for attention in the police organisation. So I think it’s a good thing that new students at the Police Academy were given this message today.’ Resilient police professional Other speakers also zoomed in on the subject of resilience. Merlijn Wartena, lecturer of Comprehensive Professional Skills Training, focused on how to become a resilient police professional. Jildau Borwell, cybercrime analyst, talked to students about online resilience. An ex-commando and former operator in the Special Interventions Division had a discussion with students about personal growth in his line of work. And wat about resilience in victim support? How do you help people get back to their former strength? Marijke Koopmans of Victim Support Netherlands talked about her work and collaboration with the police. This day was an opportunity for students, coaches and lecturers to enter into discussions with each other about their own professional identity. The event was intended to supplement the regular curriculum.