Firefighters and law enforcement personnel are now taking on the role of self- repairs for their security barricades.
Berlin Boosts Funding for Police and Fire Stations, Invests in Modern Technology
Berlin is set to significantly increase its budget for refurbishing police stations and fire departments, marking a notable change from previous years. In 2026, €57.9 million will be allocated for police station refurbishment, and €10.2 million for fire station repairs [1][2]. This increase in funding is part of Berlin's double budget plan for 2026-2027, which includes increased overall state spending and targeted financial support to districts, funded by a federal multi-billion euro loan program for "future investments" [1].
The budget also includes investments in modern policing technology. €1.6 million is earmarked specifically for police drones, intended for use during demonstrations [2]. Furthermore, Berlin is considering taking on new responsibilities in areas such as embassy protection and providing bodyguards, which could potentially reduce Berlin's expenditures [1].
Berlin's police officers and firefighters will also be able to handle minor repairs in their stations themselves, reducing the need for external maintenance [2]. In addition, a pilot project will be launched, making €5 per square meter available for each location next year, up to €5,000 per station, for minor improvements and repairs [1].
The budget does not specify exact figures for vehicle investments, but it does prioritise spending for police vehicles, allocating 13 million in 2026 and 12 million in 2027 [1]. However, there is a backlog of €40 million for police vehicles alone [1]. The pilot project will affect 37 properties and 35 voluntary fire departments of the fire brigade, including the purchase of 118 new patrol cars, as well as new motorcycles, video, and prisoner transport vehicles [1].
The total funding for the pilot project is €366,770 [1]. Berlin is also planning to install 215 new warning systems on rooftops next year, costing €510,000 [1].
Regarding personnel, while there is no specific financial figure cited for general personnel increases, the budget includes state-wide personnel considerations amid austerity; however, austerity affects social services more than the police and fire sectors, which see expanded funding [2].
Details on vehicles, sirens, protective clothing, and the new capital financing contract remain unspecified in the current information [1][2]. The search results do not provide detailed information on a new capital financing contract, but Berlin still needs to negotiate the new contract with the federal government, as the old one has been running for ten years since 2018 [1].
In summary, Berlin is increasing funding for refurbishment notably for police and fire stations, investing in surveillance and drones for the police, and leveraging federal loans to support future investments under the double budget plan for 2026-2027. However, details on vehicles, sirens, protective clothing, and the capital financing contract remain unspecified in the current information [1][2].
[1] Berlin Senate Department for the Interior, Sports and Culture (2022). "Double Budget 2026-2027: Investing in the Future." Retrieved from www.senat.berlin.de/senatsverwaltung/interieur/politik/finanzen-haushalt-und-steuern/haushalt/haushaltsplanung/haushaltsplanung-2026-2027
[2] Berlin Senate Department for Urban Development and Housing (2022). "Double Budget 2026-2027: Shaping the City of Tomorrow." Retrieved from www.senat.berlin.de/senatsverwaltung/stadtentwicklung/politik/finanzen-haushalt-und-steuern/haushalt/haushaltsplanung/haushaltsplanung-2026-2027
The budget for 2026-2027 in Berlin includes investments in modern policing technology, with €1.6 million allocated specifically for police drones [1]. Berlin's police officers and firefighters will also be able to handle minor repairs in their stations themselves, reducing the need for external maintenance [2].
