The value of gun-free zones in practice?
Following the knife attack in Solingen, politicians are once again advocating for more weapon-free zones. However, the effectiveness of these zones is a subject of contention. While North Rhine-Westphalia is championing their implementation, Leipzig is repealing the regulations. Residents may sometimes face disadvantages as a result.
The tragic knife attack in Solingen sparked debate about weapon-free zones. A man wielding a knife indiscriminately stabbed festival visitors, resulting in three fatalities. Subsequently, Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck, among others, called for more weapon-free zones, stating, "No one needs knives or sharp weapons in public spaces in Germany."
After the knife attack in Mannheim in May, where an assailant killed a police officer, the clamor for weapon-free zones intensified. Chancellor Olaf Scholz described it as a response from the rule of law. Recently, Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser pressured municipalities to utilize this tool more vigorously. However, the efficacy of cities becoming safer through this method is unclear, according to criminological assessments.
Weapon-free zones are regulated under the Weapons Act and Police Acts. They broaden the Weapons Act's scope, prohibiting certain weapons or reducing the permissible length of knives. The specifics vary between locations, with even glass bottles banned on the Reeperbahn in Hamburg. The zones can be temporary, like during major events, or permanent for certain streets, squares, or districts. However, there are exceptions, such as Düsseldorf's old town, which is only a weapon-free zone on weekends and holidays.
"A sign is of little use"
The knife attack in Mannheim took place within a weapon-free zone, but the zone applies only during evening and night hours and weekends. The incident occurred during the day. Even determined attackers intent on violence would likely not be deterred by a weapons ban, as expert Rettenberger points out.
After the Solingen attack, the German Criminal Police Association also called for a nuanced discussion on combating knife violence. "The perpetrator would not have been deterred by knife-free zones or a general knife ban. He seemed well-aware of his actions," Nordrhein-Westfalen BDK chief Dirk Peglow stated to the editorial network Germany.
Initially, weapon-free zones grant police more authority. They enable officers to conduct random checks in these areas, imposing fines up to 10,000 euros for violations. Consequently, police presence is required for a weapon-free zone to be effective.
The first weapon-free zone was established in Hamburg in 2007, and several major cities followed suit. North Rhine-Westphalia has utilized this instrument since 2021, with a total of four weapon-free zones implemented in Düsseldorf and Cologne. After one year, Interior Minister Herbert Reul reported: "The arsenal found during 17,191 controls, which includes 349 weapons and knives, and the 744 individuals apprehended, provides a compelling answer as to whether weapon-free zones contribute to inner-city safety."
In Cologne-Mülheim, a permanent weapon-free zone was introduced in June. "I do not believe that a weapon-free zone is the panacea for all situations. It's a piece of the puzzle," Reul commented. "However, every knife removed from circulation cannot harm anyone - and that's beneficial." The police in other federal states, such as Bremen, Lower Saxony, Hesse, and Baden-Württemberg, reported positive experiences with the instrument.
Berlin maintains zones open
In Berlin, however, it is challenging to identify areas where the establishment of a weapon-free zone would be meaningful, according to police president Barbara Slowik. She noted that knife violence is evenly distributed across the urban area. "We keep weapon-free zones open, but no specific plans have been made thus far," Slowik said.
The most comprehensive assessment of a weapon-free zone comes from Leipzig. Since 2018, weapons, knives, pepper spray, and other dangerous objects have been prohibited in the area surrounding Eisenbahnstraße. This was intended to increase security in the area, which is considered a crime hotspot in Leipzig.
According to the Leipzig study presented in 2021, the weapon-free zone has contributed to a decrease in publicly executed armed attacks. However, crime and its causes have not been sustainable. The rate of offenses has remained consistent. Even from the Leipzig police directorate, it is now stated: "The weapon-free zone is not necessary from our point of view." The number of disputes has not changed. The city council has decided to abandon the weapon-free zone and replace it with a permanent police post.
Risk of stigmatization
Rettenberger highlights the dual impact of weapon-free zones, both criminologically and subjectively. He mentions that these zones can enhance the residents' feeling of safety, which is a positive outcome. However, the opposite can also occur. These zones might stigmatize certain residential areas, as suggested by Rettenberger. In fact, in a Leipzig study, people reported a decline in the reputation of their living environment due to these zones.
The constant fear of being checked at any moment negatively affects the quality of life, according to Rettenberger. This is particularly impactful on young men who are more prone to crime, as both perpetrators and victims. Moreover, there's the risk of racial profiling, with certain migrant groups being targeted for searches based on their appearance.
Ultimately, it boils down to a balance between security and freedom, Rettenberger points out. No criminological measure, including weapon-free zones, comes without its downsides. There's no measure that delivers solely positive effects without any negative impact. Rettenberger champions for a thoughtful, inclusive dialogue involving the police, residents, and local politics. This process requires patience and understanding in the debate on implementing gun-free zones.
Following the knife attack in Mannheim, which occurred outside the designated weapon-free zone hours, the need for more effective measures against knife violence was highlighted. Despite Mannheim being a city that has implemented weapon-free zones, the tragedy underscored the need for further discussions and potential improvements to enhance public safety.
Given that Mannheim is not the only city in Germany affected by knife attacks, it was suggested that Leipzig, known for its weapon-free zone around Eisenbahnstraße, could serve as an example for other cities to analyze and potentially replicate its results. This would allow for a more comprehensive understanding of the pros and cons of weapon-free zones in addressing knife violence.
