Prime Minister Dr Markus Söder and Bavaria’s Minister of the Interior Joachim Herrmann visit Nuremberg Central Station: Bavaria’s railway stations to become even safer – increased foot patrols, drug detection dogs and video surveillance
+++ With increased foot patrols, drug detection dogs, more video surveillance, alcohol- and weapon-free zones and the deployment of riot police, Bavaria’s police are working to make the state’s train stations even safer and thus more attractive as part of the ‘Safe Train Stations’ initiative.
Bavaria’s Minister-President Dr. Markus Söder and Minister of the Interior Joachim Herrmann today saw for themselves how the initiative is being implemented at Nuremberg Central Station.
‘No freedom without security,’ said Prime Minister Söder at the beginning. ’Our stations are the arrival points for many travellers in our cities. With 200,000 people passing through it every day, Nuremberg Central Station is one of the central transport hubs in Bavaria, but also a hotspot for crime. That is why we have today obtained an overview of the ‘Safe Stations’ initiative and the security concept at Nuremberg Central Station.”
Minister of the Interior Herrmann said that the “Safe Stations” initiative is embedded in the Bavaria-wide working group “Bayern. 360° Sicherheit.” (Bavaria. 360° Security), which is led by the Central Franconia Police Headquarters. ‘The aim is to optimise the operational concepts for station areas and city centres that already exist in many cities.‘ Five measures are being considered. For example, the police in these areas will increasingly be on foot together with the federal police on patrol. “In addition, there will be regular so-called ”concept and support operations’ involving closed units of riot police.’ Herrmann continues: ‘Police officers will search the area around the station for stash spots with the help of service dogs.’ In close cooperation with the responsible municipalities, the police will also check whether it makes sense to designate alcohol-free and weapon-free zones. ‘We are planning to expand open police video surveillance at trouble spots.’
In particular, large train stations such as Nuremberg Central Station are often not only transport hubs, but also typical gathering places and meeting places for social fringe groups. In Nuremberg, there is already a close network of security partners responsible for security around the main train station. This is to be further strengthened. The aim is to make spending time in and around Nuremberg Central Station more attractive through structural and infrastructural measures. Police ‘communication officers’ will be available as points of contact for station users. Regular case conferences in close coordination with the public prosecutor’s office are intended to significantly prioritise and accelerate preliminary and criminal proceedings. ‘We are also focusing on increased security technology and are further expanding video surveillance in the Nuremberg station area.’
‘The Bavarian approach is working,’ affirmed the Minister President. Söder continued: ’With more patrols, cameras and controls, we are consistently taking action against crime. However, the federal government also has a duty: more personnel are needed for the federal police, as well as a legal framework that finally allows for faster and more efficient action. Thank you to the police for their daily efforts.’ Herrmann emphasised the necessary solidarity as the key to the success of the concept: ’Only through close and effective cooperation between the Bavarian and federal police forces, the judiciary, Deutsche Bahn and, in particular, the city authorities, can the objective security situation be sustainably improved. This is how we strengthen the sense of security among citizens.’