Some police officers are so adept at playing the system that they're able to make as much as ␣3,000 extra a month before taxes - or more than the average officer's basic pay.

"In all there are 62 different varieties of remuneration in the police force," explains Armand Grootaers, police chief of the West Limburg zone. "Most require a special knowledge or ability. They may be combined with one another. In that way, some police are able to supplement their monthly pay up to €3,000, and so earn more than their superiors."

Some officers plan their careers in relation to this, selecting services that bring in the extra money. Interior minister Annemie Turtelboom promised to look more closely at the system to determine which supplements were still justified. "During the reform of the police 10 years ago, basic pay was agreed upon," she told VRT radio. "But nothing happened regarding the system of supplementary payments."