Safety initiative in Bad Hersfeld: Weapons ban and controls have an effect!

Safety initiative in Bad Hersfeld: Weapons ban and controls have an effect!

In Bad Hersfeld, a weapon ban was set up a month ago, which includes the city center, the station forecourt and the Schilde Park. This measure came into force on February 1, 2025, after extensive exams and votes between the city of Bad Hersfeld, the police headquarters in East Hesse as well as other specialist authorities in the district and the state of Hesse. The application for this zone was submitted on October 2, 2024 after the city council had made a corresponding decision on September 12, 2024. The aim of the prohibition of weapons is to strengthen the feeling of security of the citizens and prevent potential dangers, as reported [HNA].

As part of the monitoring of the new regulation, nine controls took place in this zone in February. A total of 54 police officers were deployed. The controls led to the review of 122 people, of which 84 people were searched for objects. This resulted in ensuring three knives and a signal gun (PTB). The ensured items were handed over to the responsible persecution authorities. In addition, two people who were searched by an arrest warrant were arrested during the controls.

assessment of the measures

Police President Michel Tegethoff evaluates the controls carried out as necessary and sensible. It emphasizes the preventive effect of the weapon ban zone and the resulting additional control options for the police. The entire approval process was linked to a great effort and required numerous resources, as District Administrator Torsten Warnecke found. The approvals were subject to changes to the Federal Weapons Act, which came into force on October 31, 2024, and a new implementing regulation that followed on December 12, 2024.

The abbey district is not affected by the prohibition of weapons, which is a targeted approach to improving security in particularly frequented areas of the city. Mayor Anke Hofmann describes the approval as an important step to improve security and quality of life in Bad Hersfeld. These measures are part of a comprehensive strategy for fighting crime and ensuring public security.

The introduction of such weapon ban zones is enjoying an increasing discussion, as the [DPolg] also explains. The combination of preventive procedure and the creation of clear security zones could help consolidate the feeling of security among the population and to minimize crime.