- GdP: Many police stations in Brandenburg deserted
The Police Trade Union (GdP) in Brandenburg has criticized the poor condition of many police stations in Brandenburg. "Plaster is falling off the walls in offices or mold removal isn't happening," said Brandenburg GdP chair Anita Kirsten to the "Märkische Oderzeitung" (print edition). "The conditions in many stations or at the State Criminal Office are dire. Practically nothing has been done. Some construction projects were started, but then staff shortages at the responsible state agency hit, or other priorities were set."
Kirsten called for more investment, for example, in the modernization of police vehicles. "With the radio cars, we have the problem that due to budget constraints, cars were purchased that are simply too small for our colleagues. With the full deployment kit, which includes everything that needs to be on the belt, it's barely possible to sit in the seats." The deployment kit refers to the equipment carried by police officers on a special belt.
Deficiencies needed to be addressed quickly. "That includes the modernization of radio cars so that one can quickly log in with a smartphone and tablet. All of this costs money, which needs to be invested," said Kirsten.
The GdP chair called for improvements to the infrastructure for study and training. "We have a police academy that was built in 2006 and has never been adapted to the current need of 400 new positions per year."
The state is financing the construction of new accommodations for students of the Police Academy in Oranienburg. In the six-story building on the site of the former police station, 400 students will eventually be able to live.
The Interior Ministry aimed to reach a target of 8,500 police officers. According to GdP, around 8,100 positions are currently filled.
The Commission, recognizing the concerns raised by the Police Trade Union (GdP) about the condition of police stations and the need for modern equipment, shall adopt a decision to address these issues. This decision might include investments in the modernization of police vehicles, addressing deficiencies in radio car logins, and improving the infrastructure for study and training at the Police Academy.
