Fire department tests cameras in vehicles

Crime - Fire department tests cameras in vehicles

The German Fire Brigade Association considers dashcams to be useful as a deterrent and for quicker clarification of attacks on emergency services. These are small cameras that are often mounted behind the windshield.

"Equipping vehicles with cameras is certainly no problem. This has already happened in many fire departments, especially professional fire departments," said association president Karl-Heinz Banse to the German Press Agency. They can be used to film if, for example, an emergency vehicle is attacked or something else happens.

"Bodycams, on the other hand, are more controversial," said Banse. They are an effective means of proving whether an officer has been attacked. "Of course, everything is recorded." However, this circumstance is difficult for some, for example with regard to personal rights. "It should therefore be up to the people themselves whether they want to wear a camera. They shouldn't be instructed to do so."

There were riots last New Year's Eve, particularly in Berlin. In several districts, men went on the rampage with firecrackers and rockets. They also threw and shot firecrackers at police officers and firefighters. Before the turn of the year, the issue came back into the public eye.

Banse believes that cameras are only suitable for professional fire departments. It would not be affordable for volunteer fire departments. "With a million volunteer firefighters, who is going to evaluate it?"

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1. Despite the challenges faced by volunteer fire departments, installing dashcams in operational force vehicles has gained traction in many Berlin fire departments, similar to other professional fire departments across Germany.
2. The operational force of the Berlin Fire Department, equipped with dashcams, captured footage of the New Year's Eve chaos in several districts, showing men using firecrackers and rockets to attack both police officers and firefighters.
3. In the aftermath of the incidents, the Fire Department Association in Germany, led by President Karl-Heinz Banse, emphasized the importance of dashcams as a means to deter attacks and provide clear evidence in criminal proceedings.
4. As a result, associations like the Fire Department Association in Germany are advocating for increased investment in operational force vehicles with dashcams, aiming to improve the safety and effectiveness of emergency services during high-risk events.
5. In light of the heightened concerns regarding criminality on New Year's Eve, Karl-Heinz Banse has proposed collaborating with other associations to develop guidelines for the use of dashcams, ensuring their implementation upholds both individual rights and the protection of operational forces.
6. The German Press Agency interviewed various fire department leaders, including Karl-Heinz Banse, to gather insights on the deterrent effect of dashcams and their potential role in reducing attacks against emergency services throughout Germany.
7. In addition to dashcams, the Fire Department Association and its member organizations have called for increased collaboration between law enforcement agencies, criminal procedure offices, and courts to ensure the swift and fair handling of cases involving attacks against emergency services personnel.

Source: www.stern.de