Report Combined by BPOL Hannover and PI Wolfsburg-Helmstedt: Shared Insights after the VFL Wolfsburg vs. 1. FC Köln Soccer Match
In a well-orchestrated display of public safety, over 3500 fans of VFL Wolfsburg and 1500 supporters of 1. FC Cologne gathered for a peaceful fan march towards the Volkswagen Arena on Saturday, marking a significant football match between the two clubs.
The Wolfsburg police, alongside approximately 400 officers, 8 police horses, and 4 police dogs, ensured the safety of the fans, with the Federal Police contributing an additional 150 officers, including those from Uelzen. A police helicopter from Gifhorn, equipped with modern image transmission technology, also played a crucial role in maintaining order.
The Federal Police Inspectorate Hannover and the PI Wolfsburg / Helmstedt successfully carried out their first joint deployment, a collaborative effort that proved to be essential in safely accompanying fans of both clubs to the stadium. This joint operation was led by Polizeirat Nils Becker, the head of the Federal Police Operations Command Hannover, and Chief Inspector Oliver Grotha, who both expressed satisfaction with the deployment.
The arrival phase and the return journey went smoothly and without incident, despite the occasional delays and train cancellations. The fans of 1. FC Cologne were guided by officers of the Federal and State Police at Wolfsburg main station, ensuring that arriving fans of both fan groups were consistently separated by the police.
Remarkably, the deployment was incident-free, with no reports of disturbances or conflicts. This successful operation has paved the way for future collaborations on a case-by-case basis between the Federal Police Inspectorate Hannover and PI Wolfsburg / Helmstedt. Police Chief Inspector Marco von Rautenberg-Garczynski also expressed satisfaction with the joint deployment, commending the efforts of all involved.
