Station Security Enhancement Program in Dusseldorf: Strict Actions Drive Key Decisions
The city of Düsseldorf, in partnership with the Düsseldorf Police Presidency and the Federal Police, has launched a joint project named "Safety in the Railway Environment" (SiBu) in September 2024. The project's primary focus is to improve safety, cleanliness, and order in the railway environment surrounding the main station, with the Worringer Platz being one of the key areas undergoing changes.
Since the project's inception, there has been a significantly increased police and public order presence on the Worringer Platz. This heightened security is part of the project's efforts to ensure a safer environment for the community.
The heart of the changes is the Haus am Worringer Platz 20, which will host regular events, workshops, and working groups. A neighborhood management has also started working and is housed within the same building.
Urban planning, security technology, and order policy elements will be implemented in the main station and railway environment. The area will see the removal of pavilions, glass stone benches, and hiding spots, with new benches being installed and the lighting situation being optimized for brightness regulation. The Worringer Platz will also be greened and equipped with a light installation on the facade of the house.
However, it's worth noting that organizations like drug help or street work were not included in the cooperation agreement in September 2024. Social workers and an appropriate contact point are currently missing from the city, police, and federal police's measures for the Worringer Platz. A proposal for the former pizzeria to be a contact point was rejected by the city, but no alternatives have been mentioned.
In an effort to combat drug-related issues, violations of the Narcotics Act will be processed more quickly in the "Accelerated Procedure," and repeat offenses will be more consistently punished. People who have repeatedly appeared in criminal proceedings will also be kept away by targeted bans on residence.
To keep the community informed, an information event for residents, business owners, and other interested parties on "Safety in the Railway Environment" is planned. The project is part of the KreativRaum D funding project, under which five working groups have been established: Infrastructure and Urban Design, Culture, Public Safety and Order, Cleanliness and Light, and Addiction Help, Prevention, Withdrawal, and Street Work.
Despite the changes, nothing related to strengthening and expanding social and health support offers is currently visible. It remains to be seen how the project will evolve to address these concerns and ensure a comprehensive approach to safety and wellbeing in the Worringer Platz area.
