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Bremen expands gun ban zones: More security or stigmatization?
In Bremen, additional areas are being declared weapon ban zones in order to strengthen public safety. The decision will be made on Tuesday.
Bremen expands gun ban zones: More security or stigmatization?
Big changes are imminent in Bremen: The Senate is planning to expand gun ban zones, which could bring noticeable relief for many citizens. A resolution is expected to be passed this Tuesday that will not only cover new areas, but also prescribe clear rules for the handling of weapons and knives. This measure responds to the worrying increase in violent and robbery crimes in the affected regions, such as buten and within reported.
According to the current plans, the areas around the main station, including the station forecourt, the station suburb, Willy-Brandt-Platz and the station building, are now affected. The Richtweg/Contrescarpe area is also added. These new regulations will apply around the clock in the future and strengthen the security of the population. In Bremerhaven, too, a comprehensive ban on weapons is being introduced on buses, trains and at stops, although taxis are exempt. A basic idea behind these measures is to increase people's sense of security.
Legal framework and existing regulations
An ordinance regulating the carrying of weapons has been in effect in Bremen since 2018. This also comes into force in new weapons ban zones, such as Transparency Bremen holds on. Section 1 makes it clear that carrying weapons on public streets is prohibited between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. Now more zones are being added to the existing zones in Gröpelingen and the district.
A notable aspect of this regulation is that in the future the police will be allowed to stop and check people in weapons-prohibited zones, even without a specific reason. Violations of these regulations are administrative offenses that can be punished with fines of up to 10,000 euros. Bremer Straßenbahn AG (BSAG) reports a few attacks on Bremen trams, which are often of a physical nature and do not involve armed violence. Nevertheless, the new measures are seen as an important step towards improving security.
Results and challenges
However, critics of gun ban zones raise the question of whether these measures are actually effective. So reported daily news that after the introduction of these zones in other cities, the number of crimes initially decreased, but they increased again shortly afterwards. Criticism of the stigmatization of affected urban areas and possible discrimination during controls, especially against young men with a migrant background, is very popular.
There are similar considerations from experts who point out that the causes of violence cannot simply be combated through weapons ban zones. In principle, everyone agrees that a package of measures is needed to ensure greater security in society in the long term.
At a time when many people's sense of security is coming into focus, the Bremen Senate's plans are an exciting experiment that should be closely monitored. Perhaps with clever measures and a good hand it will be possible to not only combat symptoms, but also to sustainably address the deeper roots of violence and insecurity.