German Police Chief Criticizes Border Control Measures
The Federal Police Commissioner, Uli Grötsch, has expressed concerns over the impact of the tightened border controls, issued by Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt, on the police forces. According to Grötsch, the increased border controls have led to a reduction in the time and resources available for other essential activities, such as training exercises. “These are falling by the wayside. It’s not acceptable” he told the Rheinische Post online.
Grötsch emphasized that the Federal Police has been capable of handling its tasks thus far, but the question remains as to what the cost of these measures is. He also highlighted the immense burden faced by the police officers, stating that the stress and strain on them are “enormously high.”
The key question for Grötsch is how to manage the border control stations in a way that ensures the controls can be sustained over a longer period. He emphasized the importance of having a reasonable infrastructure in place, including basic amenities such as water, sewage, power supply and restrooms. “We have seen control stations that are very well-equipped, while others are not. This cannot be the case” he said, stressing the need for a standardized and well-maintained infrastructure to support the border control efforts.