How can you identify environmental crime?
I was invited by JONGEN HONDEN and the Police academy to develop a game centered around environmental crime—a project that immediately resonated with me. Environmental crime is the fastest-growing type of crime, and its impacts often only become visible in the long term, yet they play a significant role in the climate crisis. Water and land pollution are major issues, and the fact that these harmful practices generate significant profits motivated me even more to contribute to a solution. It was an honor to equip young police officers with knowledge that helps them better identify these crimes.
We started the year with an inspiring brainstorming session alongside environmental officers from the field. The insights from this session, combined with research from the Police’s Sustainability and Environmental Safety team, formed the foundation for my creative translation: a spatial game that stimulates the senses and places knowledge from the three color-coded zones—blue, gray, and green—at its core. These zones represent crimes related to water pollution, natural pollution, and industrial pollution.
I designed a spatial educational game that activates the senses of sight, hearing, and smell. By embedding real materials in epoxy, incorporating authentic scents, and playing sounds of environmental crimes, the game reaches all senses. It unfolds into a dynamic landscape featuring a river, a road, and an informal trail through the forest. Collaboration brings this landscape to life, and along the way, participants discover how to become more alert to the signs of environmental crime.
This starter kit not only provides knowledge but also encourages police officers to act as the eyes and ears of environmental agents—an interactive and creative step towards a more environmental friendly future.
First game I ever designed and I loved doing it!
"A big thank you to JONGE HONDEN and the sustainability department of the police for their valuable cooperation."
Here are some of the visuals I made in the beginning of the process that explain the concept of the game.
