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A delegation from ASTRID recently visited the CIC Limburg in Hasselt, gaining first-hand insight into one of the region’s most advanced emergency response environments—often humorously referred to as the “most beautiful control room in the world.”
Located within the modern fire brigade facility at Campus H along the Albert Canal, the CIC brings together emergency call centers 101 and 112 in a shared, open operational space. Since its co-location in 2019, this setup has enhanced not only operational efficiency but also real-time, visible collaboration between emergency services.
The ASTRID delegation was welcomed by DirCo Robin Minten and SICAD Head Caroline Huens, alongside teams and experts from CIC and HC112, who provided an in-depth overview of daily operations and coordination efforts.
Campus H stands as a model for integrated public safety infrastructure in Belgium. The site houses multiple agencies, including local police, fire and rescue services, emergency call centers, administrative units, and correctional facilities. This physical proximity enables faster communication, streamlined workflows, and stronger inter-agency coordination.
In 2025, CIC Limburg marked its 20th anniversary, handling approximately 170,000 emergency calls annually. A key moment in its evolution came after the Pukkelpop storm 2011, which underscored the urgent need for tighter collaboration between emergency disciplines.
Today, CIC Limburg operates with 101 personnel, including 74 in frontline operational roles. Despite its relatively compact size and challenges such as staffing pressure during night shifts, the center remains a critical hub for call-taking and dispatch across all police zones in the province.
The co-location of 101 and 112 services represents a major step forward, though differences in systems and workflows still exist. Continuous coordination, structured dialogue, and a shared commitment to progress are driving efforts toward deeper integration, harmonized processes, and ultimately a unified operational platform.
During the visit, ASTRID presented its ongoing initiatives, including the PURE project and Next Generation Public Safety Answering Point (NextGen PSAP). These programs aim to replace legacy systems such as CAD 9.3 and redefine the control room of the future.
With a focus on modularity, co-creation, and user-centric design, these initiatives prioritize solutions that enhance usability while minimizing operational burden. Training and change management are key pillars to ensure smooth adoption across agencies.
CIC Limburg also highlighted the need for more efficient cross-border communication, particularly in collaboration with Dutch emergency services. Semi-roaming ASTRID radios capable of operating on both ASTRID and the Netherlands’ C2000 network are seen as a vital step forward.
Additionally, there is growing demand for more flexible management of radio licenses within the CIC, allowing better alignment with real-world operational requirements.
The visit concluded with strong appreciation from ASTRID for the professionalism, openness, and innovation demonstrated by the CIC Limburg team. The facility continues to serve as a leading example of how integrated infrastructure, technology, and teamwork can enhance public safety outcomes.
