The Fokus presence concept, which has now been implemented for around seven months, describes a joint, cross-directorate strategy that provides for an increased presence of uniformed police officers, but also the deployment of civilian police officers, with the aim of increasing the sense of security among Dortmund's population.
Police Commissioner Gregor Lange presented the success of the measures taken so far at today's council meeting: "We successfully applied to the Ministry of the Interior almost six months ago to increase our forces and developments show that these efforts have paid off. By taking this step, we have sent a clear signal to those who want to commit crimes here."
An initial interim assessment shows that the new overall concept is working:
In the 14,577 hours they have worked so far, the task forces have checked several thousand people or groups of people and, in addition to taking 306 measures to deprive people of their liberty, 109 of which were executed arrest warrants, they have also issued 3,069 bans from the city of Dortmund. These included 359 against people who were part of the speeding, posing and illegal tuning scene. The phenomenon of "illegal speeding" has been causing traffic accidents all over Germany for some time, sometimes with serious or even fatal consequences. The fact that Dortmund has so far remained free of these serious consequences is due not only to the meticulous work of the Traffic Directorate but also to the additional forces of the concept, which can be deployed in a focused manner thanks to their flexibility.
Some successes have also been achieved in the area of street crime and drug-related crime. The dark field of narcotics offenses was significantly illuminated with 1,107 additional criminal proceedings initiated.
"The open consumption of and trafficking in intoxicating substances has a considerable impact on the subjective sense of security of Dortmund residents. We are aware that police measures and repression alone will not solve the addiction problems of addicts. Nevertheless, in addition to education and addiction prevention measures, we must also take action to counteract the side effects of drug-related crime. Dortmund society has a right to a pleasant and safe life in this city. It is therefore the duty of the security and law enforcement authorities to ensure the framework conditions for this. In recent months, we have once again intensified our cooperation with our partners." With these words, Police Commissioner Gregor Lange once again referred to the long-standing law and order partnership.
In addition, there were 556 seizures by the forces deployed, 70 of which were knives, firearms or weapon-like objects.
However, another figure shows that the Fokus presence concept is not only used for the purpose of prosecution and the imposition of police measures:
In 3,248 conversations, Dortmund citizens were able to report their fears, concerns and needs and thus enter into a joint exchange with the police. "The basis of successful police work is a good relationship with the population. Without trust in the local police, their work is doomed to failure. We stand up for every person, regardless of their origin, gender or sexual orientation, and we have sworn this in our oath of service to the free democratic basic order. We want to consolidate this trust every day through transparency, conviction and joint dialog," commented Police Commissioner Gregor Lange on the large number of public discussions.
There are fewer delinquents on the streets in the city center and in Nordstadt, but there is currently no evidence of a possible displacement effect in other areas of Dortmund.
The overall concept, which has been in place since last July, will be continued until at least the end of 2024 based on the experience gained. "We must not rest on our laurels now. We have completed a partial stage by establishing this concept in Dortmund. Now we have to make sure that we continue to be successful in the long term to ensure safety in Dortmund's urban area. We will therefore continue to maintain our control pressure and our presence measures in the future," announced Police Chief Gregor Lange, adding that further control operations will be carried out.