Lower Saxony is investing 100 million euros in disaster control and the police!

Lower Saxony is investing 100 million euros in disaster control and the police!

Significant investments in the areas of disaster control and police are pending in Lower Saxony. Comprehensive plans focused on strengthening security infrastructure were presented at a press conference on July 11, 2025. A total of 100 million euros should flow into disaster control and the police, which, according to bdk.de, represents an important step towards improving security.

However, the planned 250 new hires for the police force are met with mixed reactions. While the police unions had called for at least 1,000 new positions, the implementation is seen as inadequate. In particular, the fact that 250 positions are not enough to fill the open positions is a cause for concern. In addition, 65 full-time units are to be released to relieve the police service of administrative tasks, of which 25 FTE are earmarked specifically for IT experts. However, there are concerns about the suitability of the applicants.

Priorities in disaster protection

Disaster protection in Germany is a responsibility of the federal states and is legally and structurally well anchored in Lower Saxony. According to mi.niedersachsen.de, the Lower Saxony Disaster Protection Act ensures that the lower disaster protection authorities are organized at district level and bear responsibility for damage until a disaster is identified. As part of the planned investments, the outdated vehicle fleet and dilapidated properties of the police and judiciary are also to be modernized in order to increase operational readiness.

The disaster control authorities can count on the support of around 130,000 volunteer fire departments who are active in Lower Saxony. These helpers are not only insured against accidents, but are also entitled to continued payment of wages by their employers during their deployment. In addition, disaster control is not a permanent response team, but rather a flexible organizational principle in which various authorities and emergency services work together.

Challenges and perspectives

The planned elimination of transport congestion in the A9 area is showing initial successes, while challenges continue to exist in the A11 level. The critics point to the need to take further measures to respect the police profession. The police union also calls on superiors and the ministry to take the concerns of police employees seriously and to enter into dialogue.

Disaster protection in the country is carried out effectively through the coordination of various authorities. The disaster control team, headed by the main administrative officer, coordinates all necessary operations and measures when an extraordinary event occurs that goes beyond local resources. This ensures that Lower Saxony is best prepared for threats and can react quickly and efficiently in an emergency, which is central to protecting the population.

Compliance with the disaster response plans, as set out in the new announcement of August 26, 2022, is crucial to strengthen society's resilience to hazards. The participation of all institutions, including hospitals and companies, plays an important role here. Only through close cooperation can disaster protection in Lower Saxony continue to be ensured at a high level.