Increased border controls lead to heavy workload for police - Customs assistance burdened
Federal police officers at border control points in Germany are nearing the point of exhaustion, according to the Police Union (GdP). In a survey of around 2000 officers, approximately 70% expressed that the border controls are no longer sustainable, and about 77% categorically rejected restrictions on vacation and leave. Around 42% of respondents stated they were currently working at full capacity, with only 18.7% describing the situation as relaxed.
GdP chief Andreas Roßkopf called for immediate support for the overburdened officers, stating that Alexander Dobrindt, the Federal Interior Minister, holds a significant responsibility in providing the necessary resources, personnel, and infrastructure to cope with the demands of extended border controls.
Roßkopf has previously criticized the insufficient personnel for carrying out the longer-term border control measures, which Dobrindt initiated at the beginning of May with the goal of reducing migration numbers to Germany. Now, the federal police has also submitted a request for assistance from the Zoll—the German Customs—to supplement their efforts at the borders.
Assistance from the Zoll, currently aiding border controls at up to 8 neighboring countries with up to 450 personnel, is under review. While the exact details of this recent request have not been publicly disclosed, escalating concerns about security at crowded and vulnerable locations, such as major train stations like Hamburg Central Station, have prompted debates about stricter border controls and the need for inter-agency cooperation to address potential threats more effectively.
- The finance ministry is called upon to allocate more resources to support the overburdened federal police officers, as stated by GdP chief Andreas Roßkopf.
- The policy-and-legislation department may need to consider strengthening border control measures, with the federal police requesting assistance from the Zoll in managing extended checks.
- General news outlets are buzzing with debates about stricter border controls and the need for inter-agency cooperation, as the Zoll's potential assistance for the German Customs comes under review.
