German police union demands more federal aid for Hamburg port security

The German Police Union (GdP) is calling for greater federal assistance to bolster security at the Port of Hamburg, citing potential threats like drones, sabotage, and espionage. Lars Osburg, the GdP's Hamburg chairman, emphasized that the port's security is a matter of national importance, extending far beyond Hamburg's local jurisdiction.

“

What happens here can have effects far beyond Hamburg. Port security is therefore a task of national importance.

"What happens here can have effects far beyond Hamburg," Osburg stated, arguing that the federal government must increase its participation. He highlighted the critical role of the water police in the port, noting that while discussions often focus on drone defense and new technology, the human element, personnel with specialized knowledge and experience, is paramount.

“

An infrastructure on which the economy, supply, and increasingly also security policy capabilities depend cannot be solely a Hamburg task. The federal government must participate more.

Osburg stressed that the water police possess the essential expertise to assess complex situations and act effectively in emergencies. However, he warned that as security requirements escalate, the union's personnel and technical capabilities must also expand to match these growing demands. The GdP's call underscores concerns about the vulnerability of critical national infrastructure.

“

Our water police have this specialized knowledge and experience.