Preparing for the Year's End - Berlin Police Gear Up for Largest New Year's Eve Operation in Decades
In light of the tumultuous events of the preceding year, including the riots and the Gaza conflict, Berlines law enforcement is preparing for a substantial operation at year's end. The city's Police Commissioner, Barbara Slowik, shared this information with the German Press Agency, explaining, "This is the biggest police operation on New Year's Eve in recent decades."
The past year's celebrations brought about more than just the usual fireworks festivities. There were numerous instances of firecrackers being thrown and assaults on police officers, firefighters, and paramedics in certain parts of the city. These events sparked significant controversy and debates among political figures.
With a goal of ensuring public safety, Commissioner Slowik announced that up to 2,500 Berlin police officers will be on duty alongside support from Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and the federal police. This will result in an increased number of patrol cars – from the usual 150 to 220 – and an additional 500 federal police officers at transit stations.
The increased police presence is due to the experience of the previous year. Commissioner Slowik emphasized the need for enhanced protection for emergency services and a strong presence in relevant districts. She also mentioned that emotions surrounding the Middle East conflict may manifest in spontaneous demonstrations.
Looking back on the past New Year's Eve, Commissioner Slowik acknowledged that while the sheer number of attacks was not significantly higher than in prior years, the quality and method of these incidents had changed. The emergency services would be collaborating intensely with the fire department to safeguard their operations throughout the upcoming celebrations.
Hotspots will beboth monitored and fortified with barriers and controls in three fireworks ban zones, located in Neukölln, Schöneberg, and Alexanderplatz. As the police anticipate a range of measures, they prioritize reacting swiftly and flexibly to any escalations that may occur throughout the celebrations.
The large-scale event at the Brandenburg Gate is expected to attract 65,000 visitors, and officials will be keeping a close eye on the Last Generation climate protection group. In an effort to ensure a safe and peaceful New Year's Eve for all Berlin residents, Commissioner Slowik expressed optimism, realism, and determination in addressing any potential threats that may arise.
Preventive measures, such as deploying police officers in hotspots to monitor the situation, will be initiated as early as December 28, when fireworks can be purchased. Additionally, civilian police officers will be present to identify and prevent any potential attacks on emergency services and other individuals before New Year's Eve.
Further Reading
- The Berlin police and Saxony-Anhalt emergency services will work closely together during the large-scale event, aiming to ensure public safety and protect emergency services personnel.
- Commissioner Barbara Slowik acknowledged the complexity of the operational situation in the heart of Berlin, which is exacerbated by Middle East conflict tensions.
- The fire department in certain Berlin districts is anticipating an increased level of protection due to heightened emotions surrounding the Middle East conflict.
- The Federal Police in Saxony will aid in the large-scale event, stationing personnel at S-Bahn stations and long-distance train stations to maintain security.
- Year's End celebrations in Berlina year ago were beset by riots, leading to criticism and debates regarding public safety and criminal activity.
- Commissioner Slowik stressed the importance of adapting swiftly and flexibly to potentially escalating situations and protecting both people and property during the upcoming celebrations.
- A range of measures, including barriers and controls, will be implemented in fireworks ban zones to safeguard public safety and maintain order during the year's end festivities.
- Police officers will be present in hotspots from December 28 onwards, monitoring the situation and taking preventive measures to deter potentially violent behavior during the celebrations.
Source:
While enrichment data does not mention specific measures taken for the New Year's Eve operation, it does indicate the context of heightened security and potential threats that warranted additional police presence.
