Berlin's police get more power: new law before the summer break!

Berlin's police get more power: new law before the summer break!

Things are boiling in Berlin, because today the state parliament meets for the last time before the summer break and a hotly debated topic is on the agenda: the stricter amendment to the General Security and Order Act (ASOG). The government coalition of the CDU and SPD has agreed on a comprehensive reform that includes some far-reaching measures that are intended to give the police more powers and scope for action. How n-tv reported, the list of innovations includes, among other things, permanent video surveillance in crime-prone areas and the extension of the deletion period for surveillance recordings.

Specifically, places such as Görlitzer Park, Alexanderplatz and Kottbusser Tor will be monitored around the clock by cameras in the future. Modern AI technology is used to recognize behavioral patterns. In addition, the deletion period for video recordings by the Berlin public transport company will be extended from the current 48 to 72 hours. “The amendment is a promise that we made to the population to create more security,” emphasizes Interior Senator Iris Spranger (SPD). rbb24 supplemented.

Changes in policing

Also planned is the introduction of the “final rescue shot” for the police, which can be used when people’s lives are in immediate danger. Another item making headlines is the expansion of source telecommunications surveillance. Until now, interception of messenger services such as WhatsApp was only possible under strict conditions, but these options are now to be expanded in order to be able to take targeted action against organized crime and terrorism. Loud Berlin newspaper The court reservation for these measures remains, which is intended to underline the protection of fundamental rights.

However, there is also criticism of the tightening measures: The Greens express concerns that new powers only ostensibly increase security, while the Left notes that the urgently needed violence prevention projects are being cut and the focus is on repression instead of prevention. The next consultations between the parties are scheduled for Sunday afternoon, so there is a great need for discussion.

New measures to protect women

Another important element of the amendment is the introduction of ankle bracelets for dangerous ex-partners who are subject to a ban on approaching each other. This is intended to protect women in particular from domestic violence and shows that the coalition is also thinking about vulnerable groups. In addition, the existing ban on violent criminals entering the shared apartment will be extended from 14 to 28 days, which is intended to ensure better protection.

The planned changes to Berlin's police law have the potential to reshape the security situation in the city. However, it remains to be seen how these measures will be accepted by the population and whether they can actually achieve the desired effect in combating crime. While some hope for more security, others are skeptical as to whether such tightening of the laws is the right way. One thing is certain: the debate about this has only just begun.