Dusseldorf experiences a change in leadership at the Police Inspectorate, with a new head appointed.

In the heart of Düsseldorf, the Police Inspectorate Mitte continues to maintain order and security in its designated districts, including Altstadt, Kö, Hauptbahnhof, and parts of Oberbilk. Since January, the Inspectorate has been under the leadership of Police Director Oliver Strudthoff, who returns to the role after a brief hiatus.

Strudthoff, known for his distinctive blue cap, is no stranger to the Inspectorate Mitte, having served there from 2017 to 2021. He has previously led the International Police Cooperation Center (IPCC) in Neuss during the UEFA EURO 2024, demonstrating his ability to handle high-pressure situations.

The Inspectorate Mitte, located on Heinrich-Heine-Allee, shares its building with the Altstadtwache. The Altstadtwache is situated on the ground floor of the building at the corner of Ratinger Street and Heinrich-Heine-Allee. Strudthoff's office, on the second floor, is next to the situation center, where he and up to 18 employees, if necessary, monitor the "situation".

One of the major events upcoming for the area is the carnival. Strudthoff, who enjoys patrolling his area using public transport, appreciates the use of drones for monitoring complex situations, such as demonstrations or the Rosenmontagszug. However, he emphasises that the effectiveness of video surveillance depends on the ability of deployed forces to react directly to situations.

The current constitutional mandate of the Police Inspectorate Mitte at Heinrich-Heine-Allee includes maintaining public order and safety during public events such as the Rose Monday parade and demonstrations, which involves monitoring and ensuring lawful conduct and protecting participants and the general public. The Inspectorate houses several units, including the motorcycle squad, the focus service, the PRIOS team, the district service, civilian special forces, and the leadership unit.

Strudthoff must refrain from getting involved in operational work, as he is responsible for the decisions. He has souvenirs from his previous activities and the current carnival order of the CC in his office, reminding him of the rich history and activity of the area. There are currently no plans to monitor the Worringer Platz with video technology.

The area covered by the Police Inspectorate Mitte has always been active, with numerous demonstrations and major events taking place. Strudthoff is familiar with the use of Super-Recognizers in police work, referring to officers with exceptional memory for recognizing wanted individuals from photos or videos. As he personally patrols his area, he continues to uphold the Inspectorate's commitment to maintaining order and security in the bustling heart of Düsseldorf.