Rheinish-Palatinate Police to Gain Authority to Shoot Down Suspicious Drones
Mainz, Germany – The ruling Ampel coalition in the state of Rhineland-Palatinate plans to amend the Police and Public Order Act (POG) to grant police the authority to take down suspicious drones from the sky.
Expanded Powers for Surveillance and Intervention
According to Sabine Bätzing-Lichtenthäler, leader of the SPD faction, the amendment would introduce a specific intervention clause alongside the existing general clause, allowing police to detect and intercept drones. This provision would be particularly relevant in cases like the recent drone sightings over chemical giant BASF’s facilities.
"The police will now be able to take down suspicious drones during approach, providing protection for football stadiums, festivals, political rallies, and protected entities such as state parliaments and prisons," explained Philipp Fernis, head of the FDP faction. This authority extends to areas within military installations.
Investigation into Recent Drone Incidents
Between November 24 and mid-January, 90 drone flights were recorded over or near the US Air Base Ramstein and BASF plant in Ludwigshafen, according to Interior Minister Michael Ebling. Of these, 63 were deemed "relevant" by the State Criminal Investigation Office, prompting the General Public Prosecutor’s Office to launch investigations.
Broader Security Enhancements in Police Law Novella
The proposed amendments also aim to enhance safety for both citizens and police officers. These include:
- Embracing body cameras for police use in residential properties
- Mandatory application of electronic ankle monitors in certain circumstances
- Permanent authorization for the use of mobile phone speed cameras (Monocams) in traffic enforcement
Bätzing-Lichtenthäler emphasized the Monocams’ potential to reduce traffic fatalities to zero. Electronic ankle monitors are seen as a crucial tool in combating the high incidence of femicides (murders of women by their partners or ex-partners).
"They are not a panacea, but a component in preventing violence against women and domestic violence," stated Carl-Bernhard von Heusinger, parliamentary director of the Green Party faction. The Greens also support the evaluation of the Police Law and the use of ankle monitors.
Body Cameras for Heightened Safety in Volatile Situations
Fernis highlighted the high-risk nature of police interventions in residential properties, often involving agitated individuals. Body cameras could help de-escalate such situations.
Under the proposed amendment, police officers could activate body cameras 30 seconds in advance, but this footage would only be stored if the camera was subsequently deployed, added von Heusinger.
