Gearing Up for Better Border Policing: A Call for Advanced Technology
Law Enforcement Union Pushes for Enhanced Technological Resources in Border Controls - Law Enforcement Agency Demands Enhanced Tech Resources for Border Control Operations
Succinctly put, it's high time for a modern tech upgrade in our border policing, just like our Bavarian counterparts have already embraced, says union chief Roßkopf. Drone technology, mobile checkpoints with the latest license plate recognition, external vehicle detection devices, and top-notch surveillance for so-called "green borders" should be prioritized. This tech overhaul would also aid in reducing officer deployments.
The reserve and mobile units are drowning in overtime hours, as Roßkopf warns. If this situation doesn't improve soon, it could result in a critical officer shortage, potentially leading to gaps in coverage at crucial locations like train stations and airports.
The current manpower-intensive patrols aren't sustainable in the long run, Roßkopf cautions. "We simply can't keep this up at the borders month after month."
Monitoring less controlled border areas could greatly ease the burden on officers using modern technology, similar to the Federal Police's findings since 2018. However, despite promising test results, these technologies haven't been acquired yet, according to Roßkopf. These systems have proven to effectively cover large and impenetrable stretches of the border.
European neighbors such as the Netherlands and Romania are leagues ahead when it comes to tech-driven border protection. The union supports technologies that aid in managing migration and reducing illegal immigration. However, they question the sustainability of the current high-intensity border patrols.
Roßkopf also predicts significant disruptions in cross-border traffic due to stricter controls, potentially causing delays for holidaymakers.
Though minimizing disruption to commuter and goods traffic is a top priority, the intensified border controls, now in full force, will inevitably cause delays. More border crossings will be patrolled, even smaller ones. In the face of increased traffic, border officers must brace for delays.
Recently, the new Interior Minister Dobrindt announced tighter border controls to decrease refugee numbers. This move includes deploying additional Federal Police at the border and turning away asylum seekers.
- GDP
- Equipment
- Border Control
- Federal Police
- Germany
- Union Chief
- Augsburger Allgemeine
- Holiday Traffic
Comparing equipment usage for border controls in Germany with other European countries requires a focus on technologies like drones, mobile checkpoints, vehicle detection devices, and border surveillance systems. Adopting such technology would enhance border security and control significantly.
Drone Technology
- In Germany, the use of drones for border surveillance is widespread for monitoring remote or inaccessible areas. They're instrumental in detecting potential border crossings.
- Across Europe, countries such as France and Italy also employ drones for border control, equipped with advanced sensors to identify and track illegal crossings.
Mobile Checkpoints
- Mobile checkpoints in Germany provide flexibility for responding to shifting migration patterns and securing temporary border areas. They're equipped with detection tools for vehicles and individuals.
- France and Austria, among other European nations, deploy mobile checkpoints as well, making them an effective tool for border control in a dynamic landscape.
Vehicle Detection Devices
- Germany utilizes sophisticated vehicle detection devices for border control, helping to identify and track vehicles involved in smuggling or illegal activities.
- Other European countries, such as Italy and Slovenia, use similar technologies to maintain secure borders.
Border Surveillance Systems
- Germany, particularly with its focus on green border areas, invests in advanced sensors and monitoring systems for efficient border control.
- Many other European countries, including France and Slovenia, with their extensive natural borders, invest heavily in dynamic surveillance systems for efficient green border control, using sensors, cameras, and ground patrols.
To ensure efficient border control and reduce officer deployments, the Bavarian union chief, Roßkopf, proposes prioritizing the acquisition of modern technologies like drones, advanced mobile checkpoints, vehicle detection devices, and border surveillance systems for the Federal Police in Germany. This approach, widely used in other European countries such as France and Italy, could effectively manage migration, reduce illegal immigration, and ease the burden on officers in monitoring less controlled border areas.
Additionally, the adoption of these technologies would bring Germany in line with the technological advancements in border control demonstrated by their European neighbors, such as the Netherlands and Romania, thereby enhancing overall border security and control.
