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Public Spaces Should Be Free of Exposure to Knives

Repeatedly, knives are employed in acts of public violence. The Police Union articulates a firm request.

Union advocate Kopelke advocates for a knife carrying prohibition.
Union advocate Kopelke advocates for a knife carrying prohibition.

- Public Spaces Should Be Free of Exposure to Knives

Police Union Union boss, Jochen Kopelke, backs a public knife ban following Solingen's gruesome incident, which led to three deaths and eight wounds. During a ZDF "Specials" discussion, he emphasized the necessity to strengthen gun laws, particularly knife regulation. Kopelke argued that a knife ban would offer clarity to the public, thereby stating, "Knives have no place in public areas."

Regarding random checks like in pedestrian areas, Kopelke remained skeptical. Although it's feasible in specific locations and has shown positive results, he opined that proclaiming the police's power to implement this universal policy necessitates a significant shift in state parliament laws. He deemed this an unrealistic proposal under a federal framework.

More cops on the beat

Kopelke, however, emphasized the importance of a digitalization drive to shift officers away from desks and into the field. He also advocated for increasing headcount and deepening cooperation with immigration services. Previously, the police acted at the final stage of deportation proceedings.

Kopelke further promoted tighter border controls, citing their past success. But, he holds reservations towards Bavaria's approach of maintaining its independent border police, arguing that it misses the mark in performing authentic border policing work. Instead, he proposes a consolidated national security pact between the federal government and state governments.

The tragic event on Friday evening in Solingen, North Rhine-Westphalia saw three deaths and eight injuries, four critically, during a city celebration. A 26-year-old Syrian man, now in custody, is under investigation for murder and is suspected of associating with the Islamic State (IS) terror group, which reportedly claimed responsibility for the attack.

The Federal government should consider strengthening knife regulations, as suggested by Jochen Kopelke, the Union boss of the Police Union. Kopelke's proposal for a public knife ban gained traction following the Solingen incident, where he argued that knives have no place in public areas.

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