Without these officers, Berlin would only be half as safe!
By Axel Lier
They protect demonstrations and football matches. They support raids, riots in parks and even help out in other federal states. Without the riot police, the capital would be at least half as safe!
But what price do the 2,300 officials pay so that we can live safely? SPD interior expert Tom Schreiber (43) asked the interior administration for facts and figures. The answers are exclusively available to BZ.
► overtime
Compared to 2021, 1840 hours have been added. The total is now 339,825 hours! Attempts are being made to grant officials time off in lieu or to pay them out.
► building
The need for investment has risen massively – from 108.4 million euros in the past year to 143.4 million euros now. Reason: increased construction costs and energetic renovations.
► Protected Free
There are weekends when the officials are guaranteed not to have to work. But: Last year, the “protected free” was lifted 19 times – this year, however, not yet. But in 2021 there were exactly 433 times “duty shifts” or “short-term alarms” – this year there were already 96.
► Place
There are 2368 service jobs on paper. However, calculations are made in so-called full-time equivalents. The comparison makes it clear: All three riot police departments (BPA) are chronically understaffed! “All vacancies are planned for the takeover of the trainees,” says the Senate Interior Administration.
► support missions
Hundreds of people from Berlin are currently protecting the G-7 summit in Bavaria. In 2021, the officers went to other federal states 16 times, and there have already been 22 missions this year. Most in Brandenburg (10) and Saxony-Anhalt (6).
► guide park
There was no new vehicle for the riot police this year. After all, 100 new vehicles have been procured in the past two years.
SPD politician Tom Schreiber: “The proposal to set up an additional operational group is unnecessary if the existing units are understaffed. Berlin, with its countless demos, has to renegotiate with the federal government about more personnel relief.