German Police Union Criticizes Border Controls as Inefficient and Overly Staffed
A professional police union in Germany, the Bund Deutscher Kriminalbeamte (BDK), has voiced its concerns over the effectiveness of the border controls implemented in September 2024 along Germany’s internal borders. The union claims that the measures, which have deployed thousands of federal police officers, are inefficient and misdirected in terms of personnel.
According to the BDK, the thousands of police officers assigned to the border controls could be better utilized in combating crime, as their presence at the borders has not significantly reduced irregular migration. Moreover, the union argues that many of the officers deployed for the controls are overwhelmed and frustrated, as the measures have not achieved their intended purpose.
In its place, the BDK is advocating for an “intelligent border management” that involves a sustained increase in personnel at border service stations. The union believes that only officers with local knowledge can conduct high-quality border patrols. Additionally, the BDK suggests that specialized units should be reassigned to their original duties, rather than being used for border controls. The current practice, the union claims, only leads to an increase in the number of detections, but not to a qualitative improvement in border security.
The BDK also disputes the legal basis of the border controls, stating that a higher court should clarify the matter. Until then, the federal interior minister, Alexander Dobrindt, is expected to ensure the legal protection of the officers involved in the controls.