Federal Police powers to be expanded in Germany

The Cabinet discussed the draft law presented by Interior Minister Nancy Faeser, which provides for the restructuring of the Federal Police Act.

The draft law was approved by the Cabinet.

Interior Minister Faeser stated that they are reforming one of the country's most important security laws.

Faeser said, "With these new powers, we are giving the Federal Police everything they need to perform their duties in the best possible way."

THE DRAFT RESTRUCTURING THE FEDERAL POLICE ACT

According to the bill, the Federal Police will be granted new and additional powers to effectively prevent dangers.

To ensure public safety, the Federal Police force will be given the ability to monitor telecommunications, collect traffic data, and detect SIM cards and mobile phones.

In the future, the Federal Police will also be able to use unmanned aerial vehicles to capture audio and video for the purpose of preventing dangers.

When unmanned vehicle systems pose a danger, the Federal Police will be able to resort to technical means to eliminate this threat in the future.

The Federal Police will be able to prohibit individuals suspected of planning to commit serious crimes from being in certain locations for a specific period.

To protect both detainees and Federal Police employees, video and audio monitoring of detention centers will be permitted.

Security vetting regarding the constitutional loyalty of officers serving in the Federal Police will be facilitated.

In order to make police actions more transparent for all citizens, police officers will be assigned a number so that they can be identified by the relevant departments later.

To increase trust in the work of security authorities, depending on the situation, individuals questioned by the Federal Police will in the future be given a document containing information on where, when, and why they were questioned.

The draft law must also pass through the Federal Parliament (Bundestag).

News Source: AA