Attack on police officers in Schwerin: Interior Minister speaks plainly!

Attack on police officers in Schwerin: Interior Minister speaks plainly!

Last weekend there was a frightening incident in the old town of Schwerin that once again fueled the discussion about violence against police officers. Interior Minister Christian Pegel (SPD) has condemned the attack on a 28-year-old police officer who was kicked in the head during an operation and then briefly lost consciousness. Two other police officers also suffered injuries in this ongoing conflict, which began as a harmless argument before escalating. Pegel described the incident as “unacceptable” and pointed out that such attacks question not only the officers themselves, but the rule of law as a whole. He wishes the injured police officer a speedy and full recovery.

The police union in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania echoed Pegel's words and sent well wishes to all those injured via Facebook. In view of such incidents, it becomes increasingly clear how dangerous the service can now be for police forces. The figures presented by the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) are alarming.

Attacks on police officers are increasing alarmingly

On average, around 290 police officers in Germany are exposed to acts of violence every day. According to a current BKA balance sheet, the number of threats, physical attacks and acts of resistance has risen to a new high. In 2023, around 106,000 officers were victims of violence, an increase of around 10% compared to the previous year. What is particularly frightening is that around 85% of these violent acts involve physical attacks and acts of resistance during arrest.

• 106.000 Beamte betroffen im Jahr 2023
• Anstieg um 9.500 Fälle (ca. 10%) im Vergleich zu 2022
• 40 versuchte Tötungen von Polizisten
• 1.260 Fälle gefährlicher und schwerer Körperverletzung (13% Rückgang)

In a country where violence against emergency services is constantly increasing, the unions have also raised the alarm. They are calling for “harsh consequences” for attacks on police officers and the establishment of nationwide specialized public prosecutors’ offices. Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser also described the attacks as “horrifying” and emphasized that changes to the law are being examined, including the possible equipping of federal police officers with Tasers.

Social responsibility and prevention

A look at the demographic development of the perpetrators also makes one sit up and take notice. Around 84% of the suspects are male, and the proportion of foreign suspects rose from 30% to 34%. Most of the perpetrators acted alone, over 50% were drunk and in 75% of the cases they were already known to the police. Acts of violence against law enforcement officers are only part of a larger problem: society has a duty to ensure the safety of its emergency services and to show them the respect that they deserve because of their work.

With the number of violent acts against police officers in mind, which rose continuously from 2014 to 2023, it is clear that there is an urgent need for action. Public opinion and social awareness must change in order to support the emergency services and show them: We have your back!

Further details on the acts of violence against police officers can be found on the Statista data on acts of violence against state power. The developments and figures from the BKA on attacks on police officers are also informative and offer a deep insight into the topic. The events in Schwerin are a recent example that illustrates the need for a discussion about respectful cooperation and the safety of our emergency services.