Concerns Raised Over Proposed Crackdown on Attacks Against Emergency Responders
A leading German professional association for emergency medical services is questioning the effectiveness of proposed legal reforms aimed at deterring attacks against its members, arguing that the issue lies not in the lack of laws, but in their inadequate enforcement. Frank Flake, chairman of the German Professional Association for Rescue Services (DVRD), voiced his skepticism in an interview with Funke-Mediengruppe newspapers, highlighting a persistent problem: existing legislation, already permitting sentences of up to five years, is rarely fully utilized.
Flake emphasized that the lengthy delays – often spanning months or even years – inherent in the judicial process significantly undermine the deterrent effect of current laws. “By the time a case reaches trial, the incident is often already forgotten” he stated. Consequently, he believes raising the potential sentence is a superficial solution, asserting that a more impactful approach would be rigorous application of the existing legal framework.
The chairman pointed to a complex interplay of factors contributing to the attacks, including elevated alcohol and drug consumption amongst perpetrators, combined with a growing sense of disregard for authority. He suggested a societal shift towards increased impunity, where individuals demonstrate fewer inhibitions than in previous years.
While confirming the difficulty in definitively quantifying a rise in attacks, Flake acknowledged that improved data collection and increased media coverage contribute to the perception of a more significant problem. Recent incidents, including those during the last New Year’s Eve celebrations across various German cities, further underscored the ongoing concern. Although Flake characterized the number of attacks during that period as not “exceptionally high” the recurring nature of these incidents highlights a deeper systemic issue requiring targeted intervention rather than simply escalating penalties.
The VRD’s perspective injects a note of caution into the political discourse surrounding the issue, shifting the focus from legislative action to the urgent need for improved law enforcement and a broader societal re-evaluation of respect for essential public services.