Viktoriastrasse contact point closes: Presence remains
BD officers at key points in the Frankenberg and Ostviertel districts
Strengthening the sense of security is a central point of this year's security program. Many decisions, actions and deployments this year are geared towards this goal. The current example in the GE directorate shows how the closure of the Viktoriastrasse drop-in center is not a disadvantage for people.
The background
In 2018, the decision was made to enter into a regulatory partnership with the city of Aachen. Since then, preparations have been underway for the move to the new Peterstrasse/Blondelstrasse property at the bus station in the city center. A clear signal to the population that the police are present in "hot spots" and a clear contribution to strengthening people's subjective sense of security. However, this also means that the Viktoriastrasse drop-in center will have to close.
Presence remains: Close to the people
The relocation of "their" BD officers should not be a disadvantage for the citizens in the affected districts either - on the contrary. "We go where the people need us," explained head of authority Dirk Weinspach at the beginning of the year. This idea is also being put into practice in this case: The BD officers will continue to be out and about in their area on foot, by bike or even with the FuStKw.
As soon as the pandemic situation allows, the BD officers will also be on site in their neighborhoods with "mobile guards" to strengthen the objective and subjective sense of security. The "mobile guards" will open their (car) doors at frequented locations in the East and Frankenberg districts. This means that people will retain their familiar proximity and short distances, e.g. for reporting a crime. The concept has already been implemented in the Brand district since mid-2019 and has met with broad approval there.
