25 Years of German-French Security Collaboration: Joint Center Handles 21,000 Inquiries Annually
September 5, 2024The center serves as a hub for information exchange, staffed by approximately 60 bilingual personnel who facilitate communication between security authorities.
The operational philosophy of the center emphasizes collaborative problem-solving, allowing staff to handle requests across jurisdictions, especially during nighttime or weekends.
This integrated approach reflects a commitment to addressing both minor and medium-level crimes, as well as major security incidents, such as recent attacks on French railway facilities.
In the previous year, the joint German-French office received over 21,000 inquiries, demonstrating the extensive reach and importance of their collaborative efforts.
For over 25 years, German and French authorities have collaborated on internal security at their shared border, establishing a robust framework for cooperation.
This collaboration is exemplified by a joint center, the first of its kind in Europe, which opened in Offenburg, Germany, in 1999 and later relocated to Kehl in 2002.
Alain Winter, a French police officer, shared a notable case involving a child's kidnapping that required extensive collaboration between German and French authorities.
For instance, the process for handling vehicle thefts involves coordinated efforts between German and French police to track stolen vehicles using GPS technology.
Maxime Fischer, the German coordinator of the center, noted that they focus on a range of security issues, highlighting the importance of ongoing communication in complex cases.
Officials from federal and state police, along with customs, operate 24/7 in the Kehl office, exchanging critical data to enhance security measures.
Negotiations are currently underway to reform the Mondorfer Agreement of 1997, aiming to enhance police and customs cooperation beyond just border areas.
At an upcoming meeting, Baden-Württemberg's Interior Minister Thomas Strobl and Josiane Chevalier, Prefect of the Grand Est region in France, will underscore the center's significance for cross-border security.
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