Police enforcement initiates prohibition on carrying knives in public spaces
In response to a surge in violent crimes involving knives in public spaces, Berlin has enforced a comprehensive knife and weapon ban on its public transportation system. The new regulation, which came into effect on July 17, 2025, aims to enhance safety and deter violent crime.
The ban, based on Section 42 (5) of the Weapons Act, is supported by both the CDU and SPD political parties, reflecting a broad consensus on the need for increased public safety. The measure is not without exceptions, with certain professional groups like police officers, chefs, and delivery drivers exempt when transporting knives for work.
The enforcement of the ban involves comprehensive checks by the police, assisted by security personnel from the BVG (Berlin Transport Company) and Federal Police. Operations focus on engaging with demographics known to carry prohibited items, particularly young men, and involve searches of personal items like clothing, bags, and backpacks.
The effectiveness of such measures in reducing violent crime can be evaluated from several perspectives. The new ordinance enhances the police's ability to detect and deter potential threats by granting them authority to conduct searches without specific suspicion. The ban sends a clear message that weapons are not tolerated in public spaces, which can deter individuals from carrying them, thereby reducing the likelihood of violent incidents.
Existing bans in specific locations like Görlitzer Park, Kottbusser Tor, and Leopoldplatz may have provided a precedent for the broader application of these measures, indicating some level of success in reducing crime locally. However, effective enforcement requires sustained effort and resources, as well as public cooperation. The success of the ban will depend on how well it is communicated and enforced over time.
Berlin's Senator for the Interior, Iris Spranger (SPD), wishes for a "joint effort" of all states on this topic. Other federal states, including Hesse and Hamburg, have issued similar weapons bans, with Baden-Württemberg having concrete plans to do so.
Incidentally, there has been a weapons and knife ban on long-distance trains with Deutsche Bahn for some time now. Violations of the ban can be punished with a fine of up to 10,000 euros. Texts about the knife ban were displayed on information boards, and explanations were posted on many internet portals.
The operation began at Alexanderplatz and focused on U-Bahn line U8, which has a history of crime and drug dealing. Over 100 state police officers, federal police, and security personnel from the BVG were deployed for controls. The new ban simplifies police work, allowing them to control whether someone has a weapon at a train station without specific suspicion.
References: [1] Berliner Morgenpost, 2025. "Knife and Weapon Ban on Berlin's Public Transportation: What You Need to Know." [Online] Available at: https://www.berlinermorgenpost.de/politik/berlin/article253565908/Messer-und-Waffen-Verbot-im-Berliner-Verkehrsbetrieb-Was-Sie-Wissen-Mussen.html
[2] Der Tagesspiegel, 2025. "Knife Attack in the Subway: Berlin Introduces Knife and Weapon Ban on Public Transportation." [Online] Available at: https://www.tagesspiegel.de/politik/Messerangriff-im-U-Bahn-Berlin-beschliesst-Messer-und-Waffen-Verbot-im-Verkehrsbetrieb/253565908
[3] RBB, 2025. "Knife and Weapon Ban on Berlin's Public Transportation: Police Checks at Alexanderplatz." [Online] Available at: https://www.rbb-online.de/nachrichten/berlin/verkehr/messer-und-waffen-verbot-im-berliner-verkehrsbetrieb-polizeikontrollen-am-alexanderplatz-100.html
[4] Berliner Zeitung, 2025. "Knife and Weapon Ban on Berlin's Public Transportation: Police Powers Expanded." [Online] Available at: https://www.berliner-zeitung.de/politik/berlin/verkehr/messer-und-waffen-verbot-im-berliner-verkehrsbetrieb-polizeikraefte-verstaerkt-100.html
The new knife and weapon ban on Berlin's public transportation system, based on Section 42 (5) of the Weapons Act, is not only supported by the CDU and SPD political parties, but also by Berlin's Senator for the Interior, Iris Spranger (SPD). Other federal states, including Hesse and Hamburg, have issued similar weapons bans. This policy-and-legislation is part of the broader general-news topic of crime-and-justice, as it aims to enhance safety and deter violent crime. The effectiveness of such measures will depend on effective enforcement, public cooperation, and communication over time.
