As of: February 16, 2024, 6:02 a.m
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Dream job, despite everything: The Weilheim police officers (from left) Sebastian Liebhart, Thessa Streibl and Wolfgang Aubeck.
© Ralf Ruder
In an interview, three Weilheim police officers talk about their path into the profession, what has changed and why the service is particularly challenging at the moment.
District - farmers, Monday walkers, citizens who stand up for democracy: In the district, as across the country, there is demonstration after demonstration.
People are actively exercising their right to take to the streets for a cause.
The police are always there and ensure security and order.
A feat of strength - especially since police officers are repeatedly victims of attacks and insults.
Can you still become a police officer?
And how has the profession changed in the last few decades?
We spoke to three police officers from the Weilheim police station about their everyday lives in turbulent times: Police Chief Thessa Streibl (30) and Police Chief Sebastian Liebhart (31) are at the beginning of their careers.
Police Chief Inspector Wolfgang Aubeck (59) is about to retire.
Mr. Aubeck, have you ever experienced as many demonstrations and meetings during your time with the police as you do now?
Aubeck: I have been with the Weilheim police for 32 years, although there have been occasional demonstrations.
But recently, actually since Corona, it has become more and more.
At the beginning, the Monday walkers may have required two officers, but today they require significantly more.
The so-called farmers' demonstrations and, of course, most recently the large demonstration for democracy in Weilheim also tie up many police officers.
But that's just how it is now, we can deal with it.
You have been with the police since 1984. What motivated you to become a police officer?
Aubeck: To be honest, I don't know what exactly the reason was.
Actually, I would have preferred to join the police straight after school, but I was too young.
So I first did an apprenticeship.
I then heard about the Federal Border Guard through my brother and applied there.
I worked in Coburg, Deggendorf and Munich, where the Wall still existed.
But I always wanted to join the state police.
When Weilheim was up for election, it was clear that I would come here.
Ms. Streibl, how did you end up in the police? Also by chance?
Streibl: I actually wanted to study teaching.
Through friends I stumbled across a police information day.
It quickly became clear that I was more interested in that.
Three Weilheim police officers about their jobs and extreme situations
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Streibl: The overall package appealed to me.
For example, that you are not a lone fighter.
I experienced this after my training with the operational team in Königsbrunn.
For example, in 2016 during the shooting spree in Munich.
You were only 23 at the time. A tough experience for such a young police officer.
Streibl: Yes, that was intense.
I was in the middle and had to get into the danger while everyone else ran out.
I didn't put the gun down for three hours and was extremely tense.
But the group of 30 colleagues gave me a great feeling of security.
And that's what makes the police profession special: you always experience something new and never stop learning.
Liebhart: That's what attracted me to the job.
I never know what will happen in the morning.
Do I help a grandma cross the street or a shooting spree happens?
It's a bit of a thrill, but please don't get me wrong.
Of course, such an operation is above all terrible.
“I will never forget my very first night shift”
Why did you want to become a police officer?
Liebhart: I was previously at the rescue service with my best friend.
But it was clear to us that we wouldn't be able to do this into old age because of the lack of opportunities for advancement and the physical strain.
On the TV show Galileo we saw something about police recruitment tests and said: Let's try that.
And it worked.
I was first with the hundred in Königsbrunn and then in Weilheim.
Mr. Aubeck, your young colleagues seem to have already experienced a lot despite their short time on the job. How was that for you?
Aubeck: I will never forget my very first night shift.
I first had to go to a fatal traffic accident and then inform the relatives.
And as soon as I got back to the station, we were called to a suicide.
You have to cope with that first.
Aubeck: There wasn't much opportunity.
You gritted your teeth and continued the next day.
Not much was said about such missions.
Police officers are experiencing more and more aggression from the public
Hopefully that's different today?
Aubeck: Absolutely.
There is the psychological service.
In some cases it is even mandatory to take advantage of it.
Missions are debriefed and colleagues also check how each other is doing.
It used to be frowned upon to appear weak.
We were a group of men and we pushed through it.
Ms. Streibl, you nod.
Streibl: Yes, things are different today.
You won't be looked at askance if you take two days off after a tough assignment because there's simply no other way.
On top of that, police officers increasingly have to deal with an aggressive mood among the population.
According to a survey by the Federal Criminal Police Office, violence against police officers has increased continuously in recent years.
There is talk of an “immanent risk of injury, potential for psychological stress and hatred and agitation”.
Does this sound familiar?
Aubeck: Yes, that has changed a lot in the last 20 to 30 years.
There used to be more respect for the police.
Today, cyclists give me the finger just when I pass them on patrol.
Liebhart: We used to just be the police.
Today many see us as representatives of a state they hate.
Things have gotten really bad with Corona and we feel it every day.
I'm talking about physical attacks, but also insults.
I try to let it go in one ear and out the other when someone calls me a “dirty cop.”
And I'm really happy about the body camera.
Streibl: Yes, the body camera helps.
By the way: Everything from the region is also available in our regular Schongau newsletter. And in our Weilheim-Penzberg newsletter.
You have to explain that...
Liebhart: I can film operations with the body camera that I wear on my shoulder.
This way I can prove my actions if I am accused of behaving violently.
Streibl: And you no longer have to listen and remember everything when you are insulted.
Because the camera is filming.
That relieves.
Do you also use the body camera, Mr. Aubeck?
Aubeck: I had it with me once, but I didn't use it.
I prefer to only have the bare essentials with me, as always: pistol, handcuffs and a flashlight.
“Citizens are often totally grateful”
Are you sometimes glad that you are no longer a young police officer at this time?
Aubeck: I always really enjoyed my job.
But today the stakes are often different.
For me it's complete.
But I do wish we had more staff so we could handle things better.
This is my concern for you (points to Liebhart and Streibl).
And you boys? Are you confident about your future as a police officer?
Liebhart: I am definitely still proud of my job.
And I enjoy my service.
Citizens are often totally grateful.
Then we are truly “friends and helpers” again.
Streibl: That's right.
At a demonstration in the summer, when it was incredibly hot, a woman brought me water.
Or when you drive past the kindergarten, the blue lights turn on briefly and the children wave.
These are little moments that make me incredibly happy.
The interview was conducted by Veronika Mahnkopf
The local newspapers in the Weilheim-Schongau district are represented on Instagram under “merkur_wm_sog”.