Increase security: Recklinghausen police want to contain knife power

Increase security: Recklinghausen police want to contain knife power

in the district of Recklinghausen and in Bottrop, a recent knife attack in Solingen has caused great dismay. The incident that occurred during a city festival and had tragic consequences shook the police in the region on the security concepts of the police. Police President Friederike Zurhausen said: "Such an assassination attempt not only shakes the families concerned, but also affects the feeling of security of the entire population."

The changed risk situation forces the police to rethink existing security concepts for public events and, if necessary, adapt. This is done in close cooperation with other authorities and the organizers of future events. At festive events such as the local festival in Haltern am See, the Waltroper Parkfest and the Appelate Festival in Gladbeck, police presence is increased, since the emergency services have to be particularly sensitized in such times.

fight against knife violence and individual weapon carrier bans

The increase in armed clashes, especially knives, has assumed concerns nationwide in recent years. The Recklinghausen police headquarters also have this topic in view and regularly evaluates the associated numbers. Although there is currently no specific hotspot for knife power in the area, the police are aware of the potential danger and would like to proceed with various measures.

A remarkable step in this struggle is the introduction of individual weapons carrier bans for people who have repeatedly appeared with knife crimes. Such a ban was recently imposed for a 37-year-old Bottroper, who is, among other things, a robbery with a one-hand knife. "The individual weapon carrier ban is an additional approach to combat knife power and protect the public," explains Zurhausen.

These prohibitions apply to specific people in whom a direct danger to general security is determined. If you receive a ban, you have to move in public space without a knife or other dangerous objects, otherwise a penalty payment of up to 250 euros must expect. The review and enforcement of such prohibitions also includes discussions about possible risks that could affect those affected and the general public.

public awareness and training measures

The police are not only committed to the street, but also in the local school communities. For several years, experts have been trained in dealing with high -risk situations to draw attention to the dangers of knives. These training courses take place as part of the BIUS program (professional intervention and security training) and are aimed at various professional groups, including school employees and bus drivers.

In addition, the police work intensively with schools to prevent a preventive action against knife violence and to sensitize pupils to the topic. These measures are supplemented by campaigns on social media, which are primarily aimed at younger target groups in order to strengthen the awareness of knife power.

The police also have the opportunity to set up weapon ban zones in their area of responsibility in order to take action against possible acts of violence with weapons. However, these zones would require the result of a comprehensive risk analysis that must prove specific risks in certain areas.

Currently there is still no defined weapon ban zones in the district of Recklinghausen and Bottrop, in contrast to cities such as Cologne and Düsseldorf, where such initiatives have already been implemented.

outlook on security in the region

The Recklinghausen police show with its active research and the new measures that it takes the threatening development seriously. The increase in visible police presence at public events and the ban for certain people are steps to serve to ensure the security of the citizens and to strengthen the general feeling of security. In times when violence in public places increases more and more, it remains crucial that there is close cooperation between the police, schools and the municipalities in order to act and to recognize and remedy potential dangers quickly.

Current developments in crime statistics

The increase in violent crime in Germany, especially with regard to knife attacks, is an issue of increasing concern. According to the data of the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA), the number of crimes in which knives have been used has increased in recent years. In 2022, around 4,000 injuries were registered by knives in Germany, which represents an increase of 5 % compared to the previous year. This shows an alarming tendency and illustrates the need for preventive measures on the part of the police and the municipalities. Further information can be found on the website of the Federal Criminal Police Office .

prevention measures of the police

The Recklinghausen police have launched a large number of initiatives to clarify young people about the dangers of knife power. Through the work of youth officers and the integration of security projects in schools, an attempt is made to raise awareness of this topic. Furthermore, workshops and information events are organized that appeal not only students, but also parents and teachers. The aim is to make a rethink by clarifying and to promote responsible handling of potentially dangerous objects.

The police presence of the social media presence plays a special role. Through targeted campaigns, young people are particularly addressed to clarify the dangers of knife possession and use.

Legal framework and weapon ban zones

The weapons law in Germany clearly regulates the conditions under which knives and other weapons can be carried. In many cities such as Cologne and Düsseldorf, weapon ban zones have already been set up to increase security at public events. These restrictions include, among other things, a general ban, knife with a fixed or one -handed blade over a certain length.

The police have the opportunity to set up weapon ban zones if there is a risk forecast. However, there is currently no specific information in the Recklinghausen district that would justify such a measure. However, the constant monitoring of the crime situation remains a central concern of the local security authorities.