The German Federal Police are now empowered to conduct random checks on individuals at train stations across the country, a move critics are already labeling a significant expansion of state power. According to a report in “Bild” newspaper, confirmed by the Federal Interior Ministry, officers can now stop and question anyone, irrespective of any specific suspicion, to ascertain whether they possess weapons such as firearms or knives.
This broadened authority stems from the issuance of so-called general orders by the Federal Police, which effectively bypasses the traditional requirement for reasonable suspicion before initiating searches.
Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt of the CSU party has publicly endorsed the intensified measures, citing a rise in violent crime, particularly knife attacks and the need to alleviate public anxiety. “The number of violent acts is increasing and knife attacks are causing many people fear. Therefore, it is right that the Federal Police now demonstrate a firm stance with a strong presence and stringent checks” he stated. Dobrindt framed the policy as essential to restoring a sense of security for train travelers.
However, legal experts and civil liberties groups have raised concerns regarding the proportionality and potential for abuse inherent in the new regulations. The lack of a requirement for suspicion raises questions about potential discriminatory targeting and infringes on fundamental rights to freedom of movement and privacy. While authorities claim the measures are targeted at preventing violent crime and bolstering public safety, critics argue that the broad scope of the checks risks eroding public trust and normalizing a surveillance state.
The policy’s impact, particularly on marginalized communities frequently subjected to heightened scrutiny by law enforcement, remains to be seen, but the move signifies a hardening of security measures in Germany and an increasingly assertive approach to addressing concerns over public safety. Opposition parties are expected to challenge the legal basis and implementation of the measures in the coming weeks, potentially leading to a protracted debate on the balance between security and civil liberties.
