Baden-Württemberg is investing a total of 17 million euros in modernising its police force in 2025, sending a clear signal for security and efficiency. The funds will primarily be used to replace, renew and expand the protective and operational equipment used by police officers. ‘Our police officers are highly qualified and ensure our safety every day of the year, around the clock. In doing so, they often face great danger and risk their health. Providing our police officers with the best possible equipment is therefore a matter of great personal importance to me,’ emphasised Deputy Minister-President and Minister of the Interior Thomas Strobl.
Around 1.6 million euros of the funds provided will go to the regional police headquarters’ riot police units, which will be equipped with new body armour, helmets, shields and modern video and camera technology. Around 3.5 million euros will be invested in high-performance torches, hearing protection and ballistic protective equipment for operational forces. In addition, around 500,000 euros will be made available to police stations for individual equipment. The criminal investigation department will receive around 840,000 euros for modernised investigation technology and mobile video surveillance solutions. In forensic technology, €1.5 million will be spent on spectrometers, a DNA robot line and X-ray systems, among other things. Around €4.9 million has been earmarked for evidence collection and documentation vehicles and transporters, while special units will receive €2.8 million for communications and special technology as well as special clothing. The police headquarters will receive around 670,000 euros, including for communications and application technology. In addition, 220,000 euros will be invested in public relations and recruitment. Another focus, with 540,000 euros, is on the further development of drone technology, including fleet management and drone defence systems. ‘Baden-Württemberg is one of the safest states in Germany and worldwide. In order to guarantee this high level of security in the future, our police officers need modern equipment. With this investment programme, we are ensuring that our police can go out on duty under the best conditions,’ said Strobl.
This consistent modernisation course stands in stark contrast to negative examples from other federal states. In some regions – such as Berlin and Brandenburg – police unions report that patrol cars with over 250,000 kilometres on the clock are still in daily use. In North Rhine-Westphalia, there has been repeated criticism of outdated protective vests that have been in service for more than ten years and no longer meet current safety standards. In some cases, there is even a shortage of functioning radio equipment, meaning that emergency services have to share them during shifts. Such equipment shortages can significantly impair operational readiness and endanger the safety of both officers and the public.
Baden-Württemberg is taking a different approach here: investments not only cover the immediate need for protective and operational equipment, but also take into account future challenges such as dealing with drones and expanding forensic capabilities. By combining modern protective equipment, technical operational support, optimised mobility and targeted strengthening of public relations work, the state is creating a comprehensive security concept that both protects emergency services and increases the effectiveness of the police. Baden-Württemberg is thus sending a clear signal: there will be no cutbacks in security – neither for citizens nor for those who protect them every day.
