Police union raises concerns: Multiple police stations are in shambles due to lack of maintenance
The German government is addressing long-standing challenges in the maintenance and infrastructure of police stations and service vehicles through substantial investment programs aimed at strengthening internal security.
According to reports, the 2026 federal budget includes a significant boost in funding for internal and external security, with a focus on infrastructure and modernization efforts for police forces. The Special Fund for Infrastructure and Climate Neutrality is playing a key role in this investment drive, allocating funds for much-needed improvements.
The budget also plans to add 1,000 new police officers to the Federal Police, signalling an overall enhancement of police capabilities. While specific details about service vehicle maintenance are not explicitly stated, the broad financial commitments strongly imply upgrades in vehicles and related infrastructure.
The police union (Gewerkschaft der Polizei, GdP) has historically advocated for improved working conditions and adequate funding for police infrastructure and equipment to ensure operational readiness and officer safety. Although the union's official position on the current investment plans is not directly quoted, given the context of increased federal investments, it can be inferred that GdP would view such funding positively as it aligns with their calls for better resources.
Reports of deficiencies in service vehicles, including torn seats, broken gear sticks, and half a million kilometers on the clock, have been a source of embarrassment and shame for the police. The union has also complained about hundreds of dilapidated police stations with issues such as century-old toilets, mold, vermin, broken heaters, and roofs with holes.
Hagen Husgen, a member of the GdP federal board, has stated that these conditions can be health-endangering. He also believes that federalism should be rolled back in some areas, such as digitization, for a functioning police force. Husgen is calling for more support from the federal government for the states in the area of digitization.
In conclusion, the German government's investment in police infrastructure and modernization efforts is a significant step towards addressing long-standing challenges in police stations and service vehicles. While the police union's official stance on the current investment plans is not explicitly stated, their historical advocacy for improved working conditions suggests support for these investments.
