From Hildburg Bruns
In the capital, the CDU and SPD are tightening the police law. Preventive detention is extended from two to up to seven days – but not for climate glue!
Despite the tightening, Berlin remains at the bottom of the list compared to other federal states – elsewhere detention lasts an average of four to 14 days. In Berlin, judges will in future only be able to give a surcharge for certain crimes:
► Up to five days for planned sex or freedom offenses.
► Up to seven days for an impending terrorist offense.
Indirectly, cases of coercion such as those with climate stickers are not covered by the tightening – for them it remains a maximum of 48 hours. SPD interior expert Martin Matz (58): “Most people confuse this: preventive detention is not intended to serve as punishment.”
It’s a compromise – the CDU also had climate blockers in mind, while the SPD, following a party conference resolution, only wanted to extend it in the event of possible terrorist acts.
In principle, preventive detention affects people who announce crimes of significant importance, who carry weapons for crimes, repeat offenders and repeat offenders.
The Berlin Police Act (ASOG) is to be tightened in two steps. The first turbo changes that will be passed in parliament by the end of the year or in the first quarter of 2024 include:
BODYCAMS – In addition to the police, fire departments and public order offices come without a time limit. They can also record the lead-up to an action for longer using pre-recording (60 instead of 30 seconds) and be switched on in apartments, hallways and commercial spaces. (Exception: public order office is not allowed in apartments).
In the future, body cameras in Berlin will be allowed to be used not only by the police, but also by public order offices and fire rescue services Photo: dpa picture alliance
TASER – The police may use them if this avoids the use of firearms and cutting weapons. Use is generally to be threatened (but not mandatory).
Distance electric impulse device, or Taser for short. The police have to threaten deployment Photo: Arne Dedert/dpa Photo: dpa picture alliance
Also planned for the first half of 2024:
► Extension of the entry ban in cases of domestic violence from two to four weeks.
► Searching people in weapons-prohibited zones (including outside crime hotspots) without any specific danger.
► Police officers should be expressly allowed to use the final rescue shot in emergency situations.
► Event-related video surveillance in the currently seven crime hotspots. And: testing video to prevent theft at two bicycle parking facilities.
Before the UEFA EURO 2024 is held, the defense against drones that may be used for criminal or terrorist purposes should also be regulated.