The Dutch national railway company, NS, is launching a pilot program to equip 75 of its special security officers, known as boa's, with batons. This initiative, set to begin in late April, stems from a significant increase in aggression and violence directed at NS personnel in recent years. Itai Birger, NS director of social safety, stated that the company must better arm its staff to address this escalating societal hardening. These boa's are distinct from conductors, who now focus on service and ticket checks, and are deployed for situations requiring a more assertive response. While already authorized to use force and carry handcuffs, the trial will assess the effectiveness of batons for self-defense and enforcing compliance when passengers become aggressive, particularly in instances like fare evasion. Strict protocols will govern the use of these new implements.