The GdP police union urged adoption of digital tools and stronger legal measures to tackle rising firearm-related street crime in Berlin after two weekend shootings. Chairman Stephan Weh pointed to international examples such as London, which uses CCTV and has trialed automated facial recognition. The union stressed technology must complement consistent prosecution and broader prevention efforts.
Berlin Police Union Calls for Digital Tech and Tougher Enforcement After Weekend Shootings
A police emergency vehicle stands on a street in Berlin-Kreuzberg during a large-scale operation in 2025. Organized crime networks in Berlin are flying in recruits from abroad to carry out violent crimes and extortion, police chief Barbara Slowik Meisel told dpa on Saturday. (is associated with: «German police union urges use of digital tech to counter gun crime») Anja Mia Neumann/dpa
Germany's GdP (German Police Union) on Monday renewed calls for expanded digital tools and stronger legal measures to counter a rise in firearm-related street crime, highlighting two shootings in Berlin over the weekend.
Digital Options and International Examples
GdP Berlin chairman Stephan Weh urged authorities to consider new technologies already deployed elsewhere in Europe and to review whether existing legal powers are sufficient to deter such violence. He pointed to international examples for practical approaches to public safety and data use.
Anyone carrying a firearm and prepared to use it poses a significant danger to society as a whole. Berlin must never become accustomed to seeing and hearing about such incidents.
Weh specifically cited London as an example of a "more modern" approach to balancing data protection and public safety: the Metropolitan Police use extensive CCTV networks and have trialed automated facial recognition alongside other digital measures.
Police alone cannot solve this problem. We need consistent prosecution and meaningful consequences for those who believe they can settle their conflicts with firearms on Berlin's streets.
The union emphasised that technology should complement — not replace — effective policing, prosecution and social measures. It called for clearer legal frameworks so digital tools can be used lawfully and effectively while addressing privacy concerns.
Recent Incidents
The appeal followed two shootings in Berlin over the weekend. At Berlin Zoo station a 30-year-old man was shot and later died following an argument involving several people. On Friday evening a 22-year-old man was shot outside a café in the Kreuzberg district. Authorities continue to investigate both incidents.
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