Neighborhood officer is his calling, yet he quits. 'Sometimes I have to leave three times during one conversation'

John Heij, a neighborhood police officer in Leidschendam-Voorburg, is retiring early after 37 years in the force. He enjoyed being accessible to the community but faced increasing demands for other police duties, making it difficult to engage with residents. He often had to leave conversations to respond to urgent calls, which hindered his ability to build trust. Despite the challenges, Heij valued his role in the community, organizing events and using social media to connect with younger residents. His departure has sparked a wave of appreciation from locals, highlighting the impact he had as a dedicated officer. He reflects on the changing relationship between police and the community, questioning if people still desire that connection.