Initial Safeguards Implemented

In response to the suspected attack attempt at the police station in Linz, the Rhein-Lahn District has taken proactive steps to ensure the safety of its visitors and employees. The district administrator, Achim Hallerbach, has emphasized that these measures are part of their duty of care and capabilities.

The new security measures, which have been in effect since September 10, 2024, include access control and bag checks at various administrative buildings. These include the district office, health department building, service building at "Rudolf-Diesel-Straße" with the driver's license office and vehicle registration.

Visitors are now required to ring first and undergo a separate check before entering the district office. Handheld scanners are being used to screen citizens and visitors for dangerous items. The use of the barrier-free entrance to the district office via the rear courtyard has been restricted.

District Administrator Hallerbach has asked for understanding regarding these regulated access controls. He stated that concrete action is being taken in response to increasing harm in society. He also urged for the creation of legal prerequisites for bureaucratic reduction and stringent, lean immigration and deportation procedures.

The tone and behavior of some visitors have become rougher and are sometimes no longer acceptable. There have been incidents and assaults by customers in the immigration office, sometimes requiring police intervention and subsequent bans.

The security measures are being carried out at all administrative buildings in the Neuwied District. Other district administrators, such as Dietmar Seefeldt of the Südliche Weinstraße district and Martin Brandl of the Germersheim district in Rhineland-Palatinate, are also discussing similar security measures following the incident in Linz.

Approximately 300 people visit the immigration office daily, and over 500 people enter the administrative buildings of the Rhein-Lahn District daily. Despite the increased security, the district administrator assures that access and the use of appointments at the district administration are still possible, but certain rules must be followed.

The district administrator acknowledged that comprehensive additional measures are a concern and associated with difficulties, but they are necessary to ensure the safety needs of citizens are met. He emphasized that often, their hands are tied, and not all feasible tasks can be tackled directly. However, he concluded by stating that these measures are necessary to maintain the safety and security of the district's visitors and employees.