In 2024, the UDE group of the Saxony-Anhalt State Police was able to demonstrate its expertise and operational readiness in a wide range of operations. A total of 410 operations were carried out, with a focus on forensic work and the handling of explosive substances. This article highlights the main areas of operation, the unit’s personnel and technical requirements, and the importance of its work in the security concept of the federal state of Saxony-Anhalt.

Range of operations and case studies

The EOD group is responsible for operations involving explosive substances and improvised explosive devices. In 2024, explosive substances, including chemicals such as TATP, HMTD, nitrates and perchlorates, were professionally examined, secured and documented in 198 cases. These examinations are a central prerequisite for further criminal and security-related investigations.

Other specific operations included:

• Unconventional explosive or incendiary devices: In 14 cases, the focus was on defusing the technology.
• Cash dispensers: In nine operations, the EOD unit was called in to support crime scene work following the detonation of cash dispensers.
• Military explosives and ordnance: Ten operations involved the discovery and seizure of military explosives or ordnance.
• Additional searches: In six cases, the unit provided support during searches carried out in connection with explosive substances or objects.
• Security concepts for large events: In addition, the EOD unit was involved in a total of eight cases in high-profile operational situations – for example, during state visits, the relocation of the official residence of the Federal President or at the Prime Minister’s Conference East.

This wide range of case studies underlines the high level of commitment and expertise of the EOD unit, whose activities often defuse critical, dangerous situations and thus make a substantial contribution to public safety.

Personnel and technical requirements

The effectiveness of the EOD unit is closely linked to the intensive training and high qualifications of the emergency services personnel. Every bomb disposal expert in the group is a trained law enforcement officer and must successfully complete a 31-week specialised training course. This training combines theoretical principles, practical training and the use of the latest technology. Regular further training ensures that the emergency services are always up to date with the latest deployment methods and safety technology.

Another important factor is the physical resilience of the employees. Working in bomb protection suits and under extremely challenging conditions requires not only professional skills but also excellent physical fitness.

Structural integration and cross-regional cooperation

The EOD unit is based directly at the State Criminal Police Office and is on standby 24/7. This organisational anchoring ensures a rapid response capability. In addition, the unit cooperates closely with other police departments, authorities and institutions throughout the state of Saxony-Anhalt. In addition to operational deployments, the EOD group also provides advice and training, which helps to spread knowledge about how to deal with explosive hazards more widely and to sustainably improve the operational capability of other units.

In her public tribute, Minister of the Interior Dr Tamara Zieschang emphasised:

‘Our EOD group is an indispensable component of security in particularly sensitive operational situations. With the utmost precision, expertise and great personal commitment, they risk their lives to protect the public from the real dangers posed by explosive and incendiary devices. For that, I thank them very much.’

This statement underlines the high level of recognition of the EOD unit’s work at the political level and confirms the important contribution that this unit makes to hazard prevention.

Conclusion

The 2024 record of the EOD unit of the Saxony-Anhalt State Police impressively demonstrates how essential specialised units are in the field of explosive devices for public safety. The unit’s success in completing over 400 operations, performing a wide range of tasks from securing explosive materials to providing support at major events and high-profile incidents, has earned it recognition not only for its technical and operational expertise but also for its strategic approach to security policy. Continuous training, rigorous education and the practical implementation of security measures make the USBV unit an indispensable part of the Saxony-Anhalt State Police.

Last year’s results make it clear that specialised units such as the IED squad are essential to being able to respond adequately in a constantly changing threat environment. The combination of technical expertise, tactical skills and interdisciplinary cooperation forms the basis for successful operations and long-term security strategies.