Protest in Schelklingen: Police outpost only open for two days!

Protest in Schelklingen: Police outpost only open for two days!

In Schelklingen, a town in the Alb-Donau district with around 7,000 inhabitants, the drastic reduction in the opening hours of the local police station is causing a great stir and discontent among the citizens. The position is now only open on Tuesdays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and Thursdays from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Previously, security was provided here by four police forces from Monday to Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. This reports SWR Current.

The police's decision to reduce opening hours has brought citizens and the local council to attention. Concerns about the police withdrawing from rural areas are loudly expressed. Michael Gräter, a local resident, draws attention to the threatening situation in which he has experienced attacks and break-ins. “Confidence in security is being put to the test here,” says Gräter. Thomas Mohr from the police union (GdP) also warns of the thinning out of police posts in the region. He says reduced hours are often a precursor to closures.

Political resistance and civil protests

In response to the current situation, the Schelklingen local council has passed a cross-party resolution that speaks out against the shortened opening hours and in favor of maintaining the post. Mayor Ulrich Ruckh complains that the city was not informed about this measure. The local council also plans to invite the Ehingen district manager to an exchange. “The police are an important interface with the population,” emphasizes Ruckh, adding that the position is also important for integration and conflict prevention in the city. The co-signatories of the resolution include members of various factions, including the CDU, Free Voters and SPD. This reports Swabian.

The mayor and local council agree that accessibility to the police is crucial for processing complaints. The elimination of the post could lengthen processing times and have a lasting impact on the population's sense of security. Especially in Schelklingen, where around 12,500 vehicles pass through the train station crossing area every day, it is essential that security forces can be contacted directly.

Rural security in discussion

The security situation in rural regions is an often discussed topic. While rural areas have lower crime rates, there can still be a fear of crime. According to statistics, the crime rate increases with the size of the community. Unlike in big cities, where many people are afraid of walking alone at night, surveys show that this fear is significantly lower in rural areas. However, there are uncertainties here too, especially when it comes to new roommates and the changes that come with them. This reflection on security in rural areas can be found on bpb.de.

In Schelklingen, not only is a police station under discussion, but also the entire community's sense of security is in jeopardy. While citizens fear for their safety and take measures such as an online petition, authorities see the new opening hours as a pilot project that does not necessarily result in a permanent closure. The motto remains to wait and see what the future brings. Until then, the citizens of Schelklingen have raised their voices and are demanding a rethink regarding the police presence in their city.