- The Union: Many police stations in Brandenburg deserted
The Police Union (GdP) 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 GdP state chairwoman 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 sites were started, then staff shortages at the responsible state agency hit or other priorities were set." The opposition Left faction called it an "unacceptable scandal".
Vehicles too small
Kirsten called for more investment, for example in the modernization of police vehicles. "With the patrol 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 gear, which includes everything that needs to be attached to the belt, it's barely possible to sit in the seats." The deployment gear refers to the equipment carried by police officers on a special belt.
Deficiencies must be quickly eliminated. "This includes the modernization of patrol cars so that one can quickly log in with a smartphone and tablet. All this costs money, which needs to be invested," said Kirsten.
The GdP state chairwoman called for improving 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 former police inspection grounds, 400 students will be able to find space in the future.
The Interior Ministry wanted to reach the target number of 8,500 police officers. According to GdP, around 8,100 positions are currently filled.
Impression for citizens little trust-building
The faction leader of the Left in the state parliament, Sebastian Walter, criticized: "Police stations are the calling cards of the police. The impression that injured citizens get is fatal and little trust-building, but also for the officers themselves, such working conditions are a scandal." Interior Minister Michael Stübgen (CDU) is not implementing the long- demanded investment program. "Saving on the backs of hard-working police officers is not acceptable."
The Police Union advocates for more investment in modernizing the police vehicles, as the current ones are too small for officers with their deployment gear. The state is financing the construction of new accommodations for students at the Police Academy in Oranienburg, providing space for 400 future students.
