Modernizing Border Controls: The Union's Call for Advanced Technologies
Law Enforcement Union Demands Improved Technical Resources at Borders - Enhanced Technical Resources at Border Control: Police Union Advocates for Improved Equipment
Let's face it, the current border control situation is a bloody mess, or as Rosskopf, the GdP chairperson, so elegantly put it, a "mountain of overtime hours." With the desperate need for urgently additional technical resources, we're talking drones, mobile control points with top-notch license plate recognition, sensors to detect folks in vehicles, and high-tech surveillance of the so-called "green borders."
But why do we need this upgrade? Well, the current police reserves and mobile units are on the brink of collapsing under the weight of their duties. Rosskopf warned, "It will become critical if this cannot be reduced to a sufficient extent." Shortages in deployment? Yep, you can expect that at train stations, airports, and other key points.
Truth be told, the current personnel-intensive controls aren't sustainable in the long run. Rosskopf warned with a gritty tone, "In the intensity with which they have now begun, our forces cannot maintain this at the borders for months on end."
You're probably wondering, "What about the old-fashioned methods they've been using?" That's a valid concern. Modern technical measures could significantly relieve the officers, especially in monitoring the country's borders away from controlled crossings. "The Federal Police has been testing such technology since 2018 and found it to be good, but it was not procured," Rosskopf criticized. "Large, even impassable stretches can be monitored excellently," he emphasized, stressing Germany needs to step up its game.
Now, it's not all doom and gloom. The union welcomes measures "that help to control migration and reduce illegal migration." However, "The burden that is now falling on the Federal Police is enormous. Our question is, how long these high personnel performances are possible."
Rosskopf also had a word for holidaymakers - brace yourself for more traffic jams! "Motorists must expect more traffic jams," he said, and it's not only at the borders but also within the country. Despite all the sensitivity towards commuter traffic and border commuters, there will be delays.
The new German Interior Minister, Alexander Dobrindt (CSU), announced tighter border controls in 2025 to reduce refugee numbers. More federal police officers will be stationed at the border, and asylum seekers will also be rejected from now on.
European countries are currently racing to adopt advanced technologies such as biometric identification, surveillance drones, integrated communication platforms, and data analytics to support border security. Norway, the Netherlands, and Romania are well ahead in this area, implementing cutting-edge communication systems that improve operational coordination and situational awareness at borders and emergency response. The UK, and other parts of Europe, are also increasing their reliance on technology in policing and border management to enhance security operations.
So, it's time for Germany to get its act together and equip its border police with the modern tools they need to keep the country safe and protect its citizens. It's all hands on deck, folks!
The union advocates for modernizing border control technologies, emphasizing the need for advanced tools such as drones, sensors, and high-tech surveillance to effectively monitor the borders. This is in response to the current strain on police reserves and mobile units, which are on the verge of collapse due to the intense workload.
Rosskopf, the GdP chairperson, has criticized the lack of procurement for tested technology that could significantly relieve officers and improve border control efficiency. He stresses the importance of implementing such technology to excellently monitor impassable stretches and sustainably maintain border security for extended periods.
The sensitivity towards commuter traffic and border commuters should not overshadow the need for increased border control measures. Holidaymakers should brace for more traffic jams due to stricter border controls, and the German government should prioritize equipping its border police with the necessary technology to uphold the community policy and protect its citizens effectively.