Schleswig-Holstein Ramps Up Preventive Measures to Tackle Knife Violence
In response to a concerning surge in knife attacks, Schleswig-Holstein’s Minister-President Daniel Günther (CDU) has announced an intensified approach that includes preventive detention for potential offenders and increased use of electronic foot tags.
"We will exhaust all available legal means and further enhance existing tools to guarantee the utmost safety for our citizens," Günther declared. Following the implementation of weapons ban zones in 2024, the black-green state government will swiftly roll out additional measures.
Expanding Preventive Detention and Electronic Foot Tags
"Our police must be empowered to swiftly and easily detain potential assailants as a preventative measure," Günther emphasized. "Additionally, electronic foot tags for offenders will serve as a deterrent against future offenses."
To this end, the state’s Administrative Law will be revised. The cabinet will soon deliberate on a draft law proposed by the Ministry of the Interior.
Specifically, the government aims to simplify the process of ordering preventive detention and broaden the scope of electronic ankle bracelets. Under Section 204 of the Administrative Law, individuals planning an attack can be legally detained as a precautionary measure. To facilitate the work of security agencies, the "concrete threat" of an attack will now suffice as grounds for preventive detention. Currently, an attack must be imminent.
The reform will allow police to detain individuals from terrorist or extremist backgrounds who may be plotting mass or rampage killings at an earlier stage. Warning signs include threats of violence, possession of weapons, or the presence of dangerous tools that could be used in an assault.
Electronic foot tags will be introduced as a general measure to prevent homicides and bodily harm offenses. A draft law to utilize electronic ankle bracelets to protect victims of domestic violence is already before the state parliament. This legislation will be expanded to incorporate the new offense categories.
Context and Statistics
The surge in knife violence in Schleswig-Holstein has sparked alarm among authorities. In 2022 alone, there were 536 reported cases of serious bodily harm inflicted with a knife, representing a sharp increase compared to previous years. This trend has continued in 2023, with multiple high-profile incidents raising public concern.
Legal Framework and Implementation
The proposed measures fall within the established legal framework and are designed to strike a balance between public safety and individual rights. Preventive detention and electronic ankle bracelets have been successfully implemented in other jurisdictions and are considered effective in deterring crime and protecting society.
Implementation of the new measures will require coordination between law enforcement agencies, courts, and social welfare services. The government has pledged to provide the necessary resources and training to ensure that preventive detention and electronic ankle bracelets are used appropriately and in full compliance with the law.
Public Perception and Debate
The government’s announcement has been met with mixed reactions. Many citizens welcome the intensified approach to curbing knife violence, while others express concerns about the potential for abuse and infringement on civil liberties.
Critics argue that preventive detention and electronic foot tags should be used only as a last resort and subject to strict judicial oversight. They emphasize the importance of due process and the right to liberty.
Supporters of the measures argue that the safety of the public must be prioritized and that the potential for abuse is minimal. They point to the strict legal criteria required for preventive detention and the safeguards in place to protect individuals’ rights.
The public debate on these measures is expected to continue as the government moves forward with its legislative agenda.
