Belgian citizens can now use their eID cards to report crimes from an electronic terminal, directly over the Internet, to the federal police.
Following successful feasibility studies, the first trials began in selected areas of Brussels in January 2007. In the first wave, crimes such as vandalism, shoplifting and bicycle thefts can be reported in just a few clicks.
The citizen reporting the crime is identified by his/her secure eID card. The process saves significant time compared to the traditional lengthy process of reporting crime at police stations, which takes an average of two hours.
The project will eventually be widened out to include other types of crime. The scheme is part of the Belgian government’s plan to simplify the country’s administrative processes
The credit card-sized document is now the official ID document for Belgian citizens. According to the government, these eID cards are being used most frequently to access government services online.
The Gemalto eID cards generate a legally binding electronic signature for secure declarations and administrative procedures.
More than 4 million eID cards have been issued in Belgium by the end of 2006. Initiated in 2003, the BelPIC (Belgian Personal Identity Card Project) program is expected to reach 9 million units by 2009. The credit card-sized document is now the official ID document for Belgian citizens. According to the government, these eID cards are being used most frequently to access government services online.
