Changes to German Police Law

New Law Allows Police to Search Individuals and Property

More Power for Police, Less Privacy for Citizens

Changes to the German Police Law (Polizeigesetz, or PolG) have been passed, giving police more power to search individuals and property. This has sparked concerns among privacy advocates, who argue that the new law will lead to increased surveillance and potential abuse of power.

The changes were passed in response to the growing threat of terrorism and organized crime. The government argues that the new law is necessary to give police the tools they need to prevent and investigate these crimes.

However, privacy advocates are concerned that the new law will give police too much power. They argue that the law is too vague and could be used to justify searches that are not necessary or proportionate.

The law allows police to search individuals and property without a warrant if they have a "reasonable suspicion" that a crime has been committed. This is a lower standard of proof than is required for a search warrant.

The law also allows police to use facial recognition technology to identify individuals. This technology is notoriously inaccurate, and there is a risk that it could be used to target innocent people.

The changes to the Police Law are a significant step towards increasing the power of the police in Germany. It remains to be seen whether these new powers will be used responsibly or whether they will lead to increased surveillance and privacy violations.