A busy year awaits Munich police. In an interview, President Hubertus Andrä reveals what is particularly important. It is also about the EM 2020.
- The Munich police are struggling with problems that are likely to be familiar to many citizens.
- Police chief Hubertus Andrä gives insights in the big interview
- He also looks ahead to the major event of the year in Munich: the EM 2020 .
Munich - How does the Munich Presidium deal with the naming of nationalities of suspected criminals? How difficult is it for police officers to find affordable housing in the state capital? And what are the biggest challenges this year? Police President Hubertus Andrä (63) speaks in an interview about often difficult decisions and allegations with which the Presidium is confronted.
Mr. Andrä, police officers in Munich often find it difficult to find an affordable apartment. How is the situation?
Andrä: Housing is a hot topic, but it affects many professions. Our young colleagues are happy to serve here, because the range of tasks in a city like Munich is attractive. It is difficult that well-trained, experienced police officers who know the city and its challenges usually have to leave later.
When is that the case?
Andrä: If the police officers settle down, they may buy a property and want to start a family. This is mostly about economic aspects, after a few years most of them have a special relationship with the city. Buying property is still feasible in other parts of Bavaria, but almost impossible in Munich. The experienced people in particular are important employees for me, whom I would like to keep - also in the interest of the people in our region.
Munich: Interview with police chief Hubertus Andrä
What would be a solution?
Andrä: The significant increase in the number of government employees' apartments is correct and important and must be done as quickly as possible. Because not only police officers are on the waiting lists, but also judicial staff or teachers. In addition, I would like some landlords to think of police officers when they are relocating their homes - rather than maximizing profits. I also care about the numerous employees of the Presidium who are looking for an apartment every now and then. We mustn't forget them.
Does the tense rental market also mean that the police in Munich have young people's worries?
Andrä: No, we have no shortage of applicants in Bavaria. Policeman is still an attractive profession. You also have to consider: it is Generation Z that is currently applying. For many young people, it is not just money that is important, but also work-life balance and personal meaning in the workplace. In this regard, the Presidium offers many opportunities, especially with regard to flexible working hours for young mothers and fathers. But it is also clear that the police means duty around the clock and therefore shift work in certain areas.
Allegations against the police in Munich after an incident at the main train station
The police are repeatedly faced with allegations that they are covering up the nationality of the perpetrators. Among other things, there were numerous comments on Twitter after the knife attack on a police officer at the main train station. Are allegations of this kind increasing?
Andrä: Definitely. In times of social media it has become much easier to get rid of accusations, suspicions, half-truths and even falsehoods against state institutions or private individuals. Sometimes people write anonymously. The proportion of those who appear with real names is surprisingly high. The right-wing extremist camp is particularly striking. The problem is often that statements are morally questionable, but legally difficult or impossible to grasp. The inhibition threshold of what I can express publicly has decreased. The question: "Do you say something like that?", The question of "linguistic decency" is completely ignored in many areas.
During a conversation in the press house: Hubertus Andrä and Merkur editor Stefanie Wegele.
© Schmidt
Do you need more people who point out questionable statements to their fellow human beings on social media?
Andrä: The level of rawness and aggressiveness in language has generally increased. The voice of reason hardly appears on social media and when it does, it is attacked quickly. The ordinary citizen hardly takes part in discussions on social media anymore, there is hardly any factual discussion anymore. The exchange of views takes place increasingly in filter bubbles. The discussion swings up quickly and especially the few sounds are heard. In my opinion, the majority is too silent.
What can you do about it?
Andrä: With facts. We provide this extensively in the annual security report, for example, and thus create the greatest possible transparency. There is always a very precise breakdown of the percentage of German and non-German suspects and immigrants each year. The allegation of veiling is baseless. In our press reports, we always mention the place where the suspect lives on suspects. If we recognize a public interest in a specific case, we also call nationality. Interest in citizenship is often shaped by stirring up a xenophobic mood.
Munich: EM, Oktoberfest, concerts - the police face major challenges
Apart from the fight against hate crime: What challenges will Munich's police face this year?
Andrä: What we know is the European Championship in addition to the security conference, concerts, the Oktoberfest and the regular soccer games. We are pleased that Munich is the only venue and four games are taking place here. This is a major challenge that we are happy to face.
How many people from other federal states will support the Munich team at the EM 2020?
Andrä: It is not yet possible to say the exact number. However, we are again supported by outside forces and, as a precaution, have blocked a corresponding bed contingent. The emergency services are accommodated in hotels because they find the appropriate framework conditions to do their job effectively. Incidentally, many like to come to Munich on missions, which is largely due to the reaction and contact with our citizens. We want to give the sports festival a safe framework, but we do not want to convert Munich into a high-security wing and destroy the mood with police measures.
What will the police do most of the work at the EM?
Andrä: In addition to the four games, the public viewings will also be interesting. Because Munich is located between other venues in terms of traffic. For us, this means that not only people from Munich and the surrounding area, but also people traveling through to other games come to the places where we watch the football games together.
Interview: Stefanie Wegele