Berlin, April 22, 2026
A police station in Berlin has been grappling with severe structural problems, including broken windows, pest infestations, and overcrowding, while awaiting renovations for nearly a year.
Deteriorating Conditions at the Station
The police station, located in one of Berlin’s busiest districts, has been waiting for nine months for a critical security window to be replaced. The delay has rendered some rooms unusable, worsening an already acute space shortage. Officers have reported working in cramped conditions, with some areas infested by moths and rats, further complicating daily operations.
The station serves high-crime areas, including Kottbusser Tor and Görlitzer Park, where police presence is crucial. The deteriorating infrastructure has raised concerns about the ability of officers to perform their duties effectively.
Union Criticizes Cost-Cutting Measures
Thorsten Schleheider, vice chairman of the Berlin police union, has sharply criticized proposals for officers to take on repair work themselves to save costs.
*Wir reden über den wohl am stärksten belasteten Polizeiabschnitt unseres Landes. Aber die Raketenwissenschaftleridee besteht darin, dass unsere Kollegen dann auch noch selbst malern sollen, um Geld und Zeit zu sparen.* ("We're talking about what is probably the most overburdened police precinct in our country. But the rocket-scientist idea is that our colleagues should also paint the walls themselves to save money and time.")