Violence against emergency services in MV is increasing: Alarming statistics for 2025!

Violence against emergency services in MV is increasing: Alarming statistics for 2025!

In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, aggression towards emergency services is constantly increasing. A look at the statistics from the Schwerin Ministry of the Interior shows that 1,273 recorded cases of violence and aggression against police officers, customs officers and other law enforcement officers can be expected in 2024. This represents a slight increase compared to the 1,157 cases in 2023 and 1,138 cases in 2022. Wismar.fm reports that a total of 3,043 cases were recorded anonymously, whereby an official can be counted multiple times.

Police officers are particularly affected, as they were victims of aggression in 2,863 cases. The emergency services didn't get away unscathed either, with 120 registered attacks. The most common crimes in this context are acts of resistance and physical attacks. In 2024, the ministry expects a total of 154 cases of threats against emergency services.

Nationwide increase

The development is not just a local phenomenon: Germany as a whole is also facing an increase. In 2024, 46,367 acts of violence against police officers were recorded nationwide, which corresponds to an increase of 0.3 percent compared to the previous year Süddeutsche.de reported. The increase since 2015, which is 38.5 percent, is particularly alarming.

When asked whether violence against emergency services is a major problem, many people in a ZDF Politbarometer survey answered that the issue is important. The survey results show that society is increasingly concerned about disrespect and violence against people who stand up for our safety and health. Access to the full survey is on Statista available.

Measures and future outlook

Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt and Federal Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig have announced that they are planning to tighten the law in order to better punish attacks on emergency services. Hubig pointed out that violence against the police, fire brigade and rescue workers had now become part of everyday life and emphasized the need to better protect the emergency services. This is particularly true in large cities, where over a third of all acts of violence against emergency services are recorded.

The Schwerin Ministry of the Interior is concerned about the future: If the trend continues, the increase in aggression against emergency services could remain an issue of enormous importance in 2025. It remains to be hoped that effective measures will be taken to stop these worrying developments and ensure the safety of emergency responders.