On August 17 and 18, 2024, the NRW police will be showing what they're made of in the middle of Cologne between Holzgasse and Mechthildisstraße. Patrol cars, a water police boat or a water cannon - (almost) everything is allowed on the Blue Light Mile and "touching" is expressly encouraged. Younger guests can look forward to exciting stories on the puppet stage, the middle age group can find out about the police profession at the recruitment office and everyone else can gain an insight into how a sketch is taken, how traffic accidents are recorded with powerful equipment or how they are treated for identification purposes. There will also be plenty of action during police training, police dogs with sensitive sniffer noses and powerful jaws and the "patrol car of the future". Historical police vehicles provide an insight into the history of the police force, and the "Police Revolution" dance group shows that police officers and policemen always look good on stage too. The International Police Association and the Department for Foreign Affairs from the NRW Ministry of the Interior will be presenting how closely the NRW police are linked to other countries.
Exhibition and viewing of a water police patrol boat on the Rhine
Citizens have the opportunity to view a water police patrol boat on the Rhine. It serves as a "floating guard" for the police officers of the waterway police when recording shipping accidents, inspecting the transport of dangerous goods, monitoring recreational shipping or environmental violations on the country's approximately 900 kilometers of navigable waterways with around 260,000 ship movements per year.
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State of the waterway police - dangers in waterways
Life-threatening: At least 378 people drowned in Germany in 2023 due to carelessness or ignorance. The water police provide information about the dangers of water and give tips and advice on how to prevent accidents. Visitors can experience with VR glasses how, for example, the currents of the Rhine and its ships can catch bathers.
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Exhibition of a small water police patrol boat
The North Rhine-Westphalian water police are part of the Duisburg police force. In addition to the large patrol boats, the water police also rely on smaller patrol boats, which can also operate at shallower water depths in the event of flooding, for example. One of the maneuverable boats will be on display at the stand.
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Exhibition of a patrol car and a police motorcycle
Around 50,000 police officers are "on the streets" in North Rhine-Westphalia every day to keep people safe. The patrol officers show how their equipment - the patrol car and the police motorcycle - is equipped and answer questions about daily police work.
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Description of the tasks of KIA
Contact officers for intercultural and religious affairs (KIA) have the task of identifying radicalization at an early stage and preventing the associated terrorist or other dangers from all religious, cultural and post-migrant areas at an early stage. For example, they maintain contacts with religious and cultural communities and consulates, arrange offers of help within the framework of networking and establish transparency and traceability of police work to the outside world.
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Exhibition of the special fire investigation vehicle including protective clothing and measuring devices
The fire investigation vehicle, which will not enter service until 2023, was specially developed by investigators for investigators. Equipped with multi-gas measuring devices and blower respiratory protection, it makes searching for and securing evidence more efficient, more effective and safer at the same time. In addition to many other details, the vehicle also features black/white separation, i.e. the division into areas with and without contamination by traces and pollutants related to the fire scene.
Mobile police advice center
The crime prevention/victim protection department for Cologne and Leverkusen provides information on topics such as "burglary protection", "bicycle theft protection" and "shock calls". As an integral part of police work, the victim protection department helps and supports victims of crime. The colleagues at the mobile advice center on the Blue Light Mile are also available for the following topics:
- Prevention of senior citizens
- Politically motivated crime
- Technical prevention (e.g. burglary protection, smart home)
- Prevention of crime.: burglary protection, smart home)
- Cybercrime
- Narcotics crime
- Sexualized violence/sexual abuse
- General violent crime/civil courage
- Urban crime prevention
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Presentation of the work of police service dogs
The service dogs of the NRW police are a versatile resource and a valuable support in a wide variety of operational situations, for example at soccer matches. A total of 305 dogs currently work in the police authorities in NRW. They are used both in day-to-day police work and in situations where their extraordinary skills are required. In addition to service dogs, the NRW police also have, for example, explosives and narcotics detection dogs, arson detection dogs, personal detection dogs and data storage detection dogs.
Duty dog handlers are deployed on special occasions - often together with the riot police - for example in the event of major disturbances. They help to separate aggressors and prevent violent attacks on police officers.
Presentation of the police service dogs:
Saturday, August 17, 2024: 12 to 12:30, 15 to 15:30 and 17:30 to 18
Sunday, August 18, 2024: 11:30 to 12, 14 to 14:30 and 17 to 17:30
Presentation of the police dance group "Police Revolution":
Sunday, 18. August 2024: 1 to 1:10 p.m. and 2:30 to 2:50 p.m.
Interviews to present various areas of work at the North Rhine-Westphalia Police Department:
Saturday, August 17, 2024: 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Sunday, August 18, 2024: 12 to 1 p.m., 2:50 to 3:50 p.m.
North Rhine-Westphalia police recruitment
Interested in the police profession? Here you can find out everything you need to know about a career with the NRW police. How can I apply? What school-leaving certificate do I need? What different professions are there in the police force? - Our colleagues in recruitment can answer these questions and many more.
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Presentation of the work of the North Rhine-Westphalia Criminal Investigation Department
The fascination of law enforcement: Whether all-rounders in the criminal investigation department, operational work in the task force, specialized cyber police officers or death investigators. The criminal investigation department is diverse. At NRW Day, you will have the opportunity to talk to investigators. The NRW police need people with investigative curiosity to conduct their first interview here at the information stand to find out whether criminal investigation work is right for them.
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Presentation of a crime scene including the crime scene survey
Puzzle along! Where can you find clues? The police station is often the first department to record the scene of a violent crime. We set up a fictitious crime scene for the visitors. Watch out for the police cordon: every trace is secured here and the crime scene is digitally frozen using 3D laser scanning technology and HDR 360 photo documentation with the support of experts from the LKA NRW.
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Drawing and creation of composite images
What did the perpetrator look like? How old was he? What else did you notice? Our sketch artists convert the answers to these questions into a photorealistic image of a suspect. This can then be used to search for the perpetrator. See for yourself what you can remember when our specialists ask about the shape of the nose.
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Presentation of the securing and processing of digital evidence
In many cases of serious crime in particular, data analysis is now the key to successful investigations. After the police have seized evidence such as USB sticks, computers or cell phones, investigators usually evaluate the stored data at the police station. With the help of the new MODAL vehicle, which is on display here on the Blue Light Mile, some work processes can in certain cases be carried out directly at the scene of the incident. This can save valuable time, particularly in cases of acute danger - for example in major child abuse cases.
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Presentation of the work of the defusers of the State Criminal Police Office of North Rhine-Westphalia
Exhibition of robots, vehicles and protective equipment
The Crime Scene Group Explosives/Fire (TOG) supports the police authorities in crime scene work in connection with explosives offenses. Visitors to the stand can see the technical specialties such as robots, vehicles and protective equipment that the LKA NRW has at its disposal to defuse homemade bombs in the worst case scenario.
The experts' tasks include:
- defusing unconventional explosive or incendiary devices (IEDs),
- supporting crime scene recording in explosives offenses,
- supporting crime scene recording in arson offenses in special cases,
- accompanying other measures of the police authorities in connection with explosives,
- forensic investigations of explosives or objects containing explosives,
- transporting, storing and destroying explosives,
- accompanying special operations (e.g. state visits/major events),
- defusing explosives or objects containing explosives,
- transporting, storing and destroying explosives. (e.g. state visits/major events).
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Presentation of the work and equipment of the riot police of the North Rhine-Westphalia police
A large number of police officers are needed in special situations in NRW or nationwide? Specialized experience or special equipment is required? Then the riot police are deployed. These include, for example:
- Large demonstrations and gatherings throughout Germany,
- EU/world economic summits and state visits,
- Football matches with a particular risk potential.
The riot police consist of three departmental command units, three technical task forces and 18 riot police squads and are spread across 14 police headquarters.
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Exhibition of the 10,000 water cannon
The 10,000 water cannon (WaWe10) is the latest model and has been in use in NRW since 2011. Its 10,000-liter water tank gave the WaWe10 its name. The vehicle is based on the chassis of the current Mercedes Actros 6x6 and its engine delivers 408 hp. With this power, a top speed of 110 kilometers per hour is possible. The cab can be occupied by five people and the maximum throwing range is up to 65 meters. It is used for large-scale situations - such as assembly situations.
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Exhibition of a special vehicle for outstanding operational situations
The special vehicle is an armored vehicle used by the NRW police in the SW4 version in the riot police departments. The vehicle can, for example, be equipped with a barricade or dozer blade. Among other things, it is used to remove barricades or can transport emergency services in a protected manner.
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Exhibition of various historical vehicles
Presentation of the work and equipment of police divers
What does a police diver actually do? Police divers search for evidence and missing people in bodies of water. This includes small objects such as knives and other crime weapons, stolen goods, items of clothing, backpacks and larger objects - including safes, bicycles and cars. Poor visibility in murky waters is more or less standard. During a dive, the divers "feel" their search objects in teams of two using their sense of touch with their diving gloves - even what material they are made of.
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Stand to present the work of the state equestrian squadron
The state equestrian squadron is deployed in particular for operations on special occasions such as soccer matches, demonstrations and large gatherings. Due to their agility, speed and size, they are effective - for example in clearing and keeping areas clear as well as separating and escorting groups of troublemakers and clearing and keeping areas clear. Service horses not only command respect, they are also a popular figure on public patrols. Police service horses have strong nerves and enjoy intensive training, which prepares them for police operations and keeps them ready for action. At NRW-Tag, the horses are on presence patrol outside the blue light mile due to the limited space available on Rheinuferstraße.
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Puppet show and hands-on theater for four to seven-year-old children
The traffic puppet stage has been part of the North Rhine-Westphalia police's prevention program since the early 1950s. The puppet show is a useful addition to road safety education and behavioral training in kindergartens and elementary school. In a playful way, the police teach children about correct behavior in road traffic and other dangerous situations. The puppets, with the support of police officers, show children how dangerous playing on and near the road can be and how to behave correctly in traffic situations, e.g. at traffic lights.
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Presentation of international contact, friendship and networking opportunities
The International Police Association (IPA) is the politically and trade union-independent association of members of the police service, regardless of rank, gender, skin color, language or religion. As the largest professional association in the world with almost 372,000 members, it is currently represented in 68 countries. It has consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations and the Council of Europe.
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Presentation of the technology/working methods of the traffic accident investigation team using drones and 3D laser scanners
The investigation of traffic accidents is becoming increasingly complex due to the digital technology in cars. The police have responded by deploying traffic accident investigation teams (VU teams) with special technology throughout the country to investigate the most serious traffic accidents. The digitalization of road traffic also affects the search for evidence after an accident. This makes specialists from the police indispensable. What the forensics team is at a crime scene, the accident team is at an accident scene. An accident scene is a crime scene: this is where the specialists of the accident team secure evidence to reconstruct the course of the accident and clarify the "case".
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Description of working methods and areas of responsibility
The "illegal speeding, tuner and poser scene" with illegal motor vehicle races, in which uninvolved drivers are often injured or even killed, is the target group of the traffic task force team. They pursue and combat illegal racing and the associated criminal offenses and administrative offenses, for example by investigating traffic accidents involving fleeing or so-called "traffic offenders". Among other things, they carry out numerous control measures on "Car Friday".
Visualization of dangers in road traffic
Visitors to the stand can experience virtually where unexpected dangers are hidden in road traffic. See in 360-degree panoramic view what a truck driver can see from behind the wheel and, above all, what he cannot see.
New specialist traffic strategy - same goal, new approach - #Life
Reducing fatalities and serious injuries in traffic accidents - that is the declared goal of "Vision Zero". At the start of 2024, the North Rhine-Westphalia police realigned their strategy for greater safety on roads, cycle paths and freeways. This strategy has recently been given the state-wide title #LEBEN. The term sums up the police's efforts to reduce serious traffic accidents.
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Campaign "Responsibility stops full throttle"
The NRW police have no tolerance for illegal racing on the roads. People who endanger others by driving too fast must expect consistent prosecution, in which all legal options are exhausted. At the same time, the police focus on prevention. The "Responsibility stops speeding" campaign is aimed at teenagers and young adults. Exciting teaching materials are designed to raise their awareness of this issue at school or in driving lessons. The campaign also features a vehicle that was involved in a prohibited race with a fatal outcome.
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Presentation of the areas of responsibility of the freeway police
The freeway police is not an independent police authority. The five police authorities of Cologne, Düsseldorf, Dortmund, Münster and Bielefeld are responsible for police operations on the freeway network in North Rhine-Westphalia. Together, they are responsible for around 2,200 km of freeways and federal highways similar to freeways. This also includes a large number of rest areas and service stations. The main focus of police work is traffic monitoring, particularly with regard to distraction caused by smartphones, excessive speed (speeders), insufficient distance (tailgaters) and load safety. You hear on the radio "Danger from tire parts on the road" or "Duck family on the freeway"? Here, too, the freeway police act with the utmost haste to quickly remove potential hazards for motorists.
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Presentation of the training content of the North Rhine-Westphalia police
Operations are dynamic and highly complex. Decisions must be made quickly and flexibly in order to ensure the success of the operation as a team. The basics of police self-defense are essential for this. Police officers learn, for example, arrest techniques including secure transport in the patrol car, tactical behavior in the event of attacks with knives or similar objects, the use of the bodycam, the correct behavior in amok or terrorist situations, etc.
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Presentation of the current and historical deployments of the North Rhine-Westphalia police to foreign police missions and Frontex
Police officers from NRW in Africa? Yes there are, the officers serve under the mandates of the United Nations (UN), the European Union (EU) and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). In recent years, the focus of mission involvement has increasingly shifted to Africa, whereas in the early years of international police missions, the focus was still on the Balkans.
For the NRW police, there are usually around 30 to 35 police officers on up to ten international police missions or Frontex missions at any one time. Police officers from North Rhine-Westphalia are also deployed to the following institutions in the area of foreign assignments:
- International Police Missions Office in Berlin and Potsdam,
- Federal Foreign Office in Berlin,
- European External Action Service in Brussels,
- United Nations in New York and
- Frontex Headquarters in Warsaw.
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Dactyloscopic traces, i.e. fingerprints and palm prints on surfaces, have been used to identify people for more than 100 years. If the traces match the individual lines on the fingers and hands or not, this can help to solve the crime. Do your fingers have loops, swirls or arches? Visitors can take their own fingerprints at the stand.
Exhibition of the patrol car of the future
The digital high-tech patrol car, which in this version costs around 90,000 euros (technology) plus 60,000 euros (car), serves as a technology carrier to test new, innovative operational technology. The new technologies should make work processes easier for police officers in the future, for example if some of the paperwork can be completed even more user-friendly and quickly in the vehicle. The upcoming test phase will show which of the smart technologies could become part of a patrol car's permanent inventory in five, ten or fifteen years' time.
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