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Berlin police fleet: The condition of the cars is so catastrophic!
Police vehicles in Berlin are in an alarming condition. Read about union fears and much-needed investment.
Berlin police fleet: The condition of the cars is so catastrophic!
Last week, images of a completely dilapidated police car caused a stir on the Facebook page of the Police Union (GdP) in Berlin. The pictures show how parts of the interior paneling are fixed with adhesive tape and that the gear stick has been temporarily patched. These photos and the ironic comment “The fleet is a complete disaster” have sparked nearly 2,000 reactions and numerous comments from concerned citizens who want a life without damaged police vehicles. Concerns about the condition of company cars raise the question of whether the fleet in Berlin is getting old and urgently needs to be upgraded, or whether it is due to a lack of public funding, as Express addresses.
Security risks in the capital?
The state head of the GdP said in mid-2024 that daily reports of defective vehicles were untenable. The brakes of the Mercedes Vito models in particular have been criticized. In May 2024 there was even a cable fire in a radio car while driving. Florian Nath, a spokesman for the Berlin police, defended himself against this criticism and emphasized that no so-called “irregular braking problems” were known. So far, only Opel vehicles that the police believe are well suited for property protection have not been criticized, reports Auto Motor und Sport.
Annual investment backlog
The Berlin police fleet includes around 2,650 vehicles, some of which date back to 1981. The fleet has been almost completely replaced since 2010, but the investment backlog is enormous and is estimated at 40 million euros. This total is quite different from the figures given by the police. The annual maintenance requirement is 12.75 million euros, which underlines that the police can only procure around 150 to 180 new vehicles annually - a far cry from the recommended 280 vehicles to renew the fleet, reports police report.
Cologne in a similar situation?
Another aspect that should not go unmentioned is the indicated situation of the Cologne police vehicles. While Berlin is currently receiving a lot of attention for its unacceptable fleet condition, Cologne could face similar challenges in the near future. The question of financing and the associated investments remains central to ensuring the safety of citizens and not endangering trust in the police.
The situation of the fleet makes it clear that technical equipment is just as important as human resources, and it remains to be hoped that the relevant authorities will act soon. The union's call for better facilities is not just a cry for help; it is a clear indication that without change no progress can be expected. How long can this condition be tolerated? It is time to set the course for a modern and operational fleet.