The Police Union (GdP) has raised a serious alarm regarding the dilapidated state of federal police installations and is pressing Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) to take action.
Andreas Roßkopf, GdP’s head for the Federal Police sector, informed the “Rheinische Post” that it can be stated clearly that nearly every third service station has significant deficiencies or is severely deteriorated. According to Roßkopf, the condition of many buildings and police barracks is simply “no longer acceptable”.
While the Bundespolizei has grown to about 56,000 employees and new recruits are being hired, the operational facilities lack essential infrastructure, such as proper offices, living quarters, or parking areas. Roßkopf notes that this shortage causes frustration among staff and adds to their burden, especially since renovation projects are continually postponed. He sharply criticized the situation, stating, “It cannot be that we discuss modern security architecture in Germany while police officers simultaneously have to stand with buckets under dripping ceilings or serve their duties in completely outdated buildings”. The infrastructure suffers from a lack of contemporary social spaces, sufficient changing rooms, and overall functionality.
This week, the GdP plans to launch an extensive campaign. The union is demanding faster approval and construction procedures, as well as greater financial investment from the Interior Minister for renovations, new construction, and improved accommodation. “A modern federal police force requires modern infrastructure” Roßkopf stated. He emphasized that this is “not a luxury demand, but a matter of respect, motivation, and ultimately, public safety”.
