Federal government strengthens protection for emergency services: new changes in criminal law

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Erfahren Sie in unserem Artikel, wie die Bundesregierung den Schutz von Vollstreckungsbeamten und Rettungskräften durch Änderungen im Strafgesetzbuch verstärkt. Karl-Heinz Banse, Präsident des Deutschen Feuerwehrverbandes, erläutert die Hintergründe und die Maßnahmen zur Bekämpfung von Gewalt gegen Einsatzkräfte. Informieren Sie sich über die neuen Regelungen und deren Bedeutung für die Sicherheit im Ehrenamt.
In our article, you will find out how the Federal Government increases the protection of enforcement officers and rescue workers by changes in the Criminal Code. Karl-Heinz Banse, President of the German Fire Brigade Association, explains the background and the measures to combat violence against emergency services. Find out more about the new regulations and their importance for security in volunteering. (Symbolbild/MB)

New changes in the law strengthen the protection of the emergency services in Germany

The recently adopted changes to the Criminal Code bring significant news for the security of fire brigade and emergency services in Germany. These changes are a direct result of the claims of the German Fire Brigade Association (DFV), especially after the violent incidents on New Year's Eve 2022/23. President Karl-Heinz Banse commented on the changes and emphasized their importance for the safety of those who are committed to the common good.

A central element of the amendment to the law concerns punishment in the context of violent acts against emergency services. With the adaptation of § 46 StGB, Richter is now given the opportunity to weight the seriousness of a bodily harm to emergency services more than with conventional offenses. This means that attacks on these people can now be punished more strictly, a crucial measure to better protect the emergency services.

The expansion of § 113 StGB is particularly noteworthy, which now classifies insidious raids on emergency services as more serious crimes. Such raids, as they had occurred several times on New Year's Eve, are rigorous. Banse said that this regulation is based on the DFV's claim to improve the protection of the emergency services in dangerous situations.

However, the changes are not just legal nature; They also reflect a worrying social development. The draft law pointed out that over 49 percent of the fire brigade provides information to have become victims of insults, threats or physical attacks in the past two years. These statistics show that the protection of the emergency services is not only a legal but also a social challenge.

In response to these developments, the DFV and the German statutory accident insurance (DGUV) plan a second survey to collect further data on violence against emergency services. This survey is aimed at active members of the volunteer fire brigade, the professional fire brigade and the fire brigade and is intended to improve future measures to support the emergency services.

The new laws are not only a step towards legal protection, but also a signal that the company recognizes the importance of the work of the fire brigade and emergency services and takes their safety seriously. Legal protection for these groups of people is an essential element in order to strengthen public security not only legally, but also in practice.

Overall, it can be seen that the amendment to the Criminal Code is a positive development in perception and protection of the emergency services. However, it remains to be seen what effect these legal changes will actually develop in practice and whether they can help counteract the frequent acts of violence against this important professional group.