It is a further step in the security cooperation (SiKo) "Together for a safe life in Hamm" agreed by the police and the city in 2022: Today, Friday, February 16, Lord Mayor Marc Herter and Polizeipräsident Thomas Kubera opened the new SiKo-Point in Bahnhofstraße at 13.30 p.m. at the new SiKo-Point in Bahnhofstrasse.
The aim behind the establishment of the joint contact point in a container facility is to further strengthen the sense of security among citizens in the Bahnhofsquartier, combat crime and prevent deviant behavior. For the first time, the new SiKo logo is also being used on the containers. A protective shield in different shades symbolizes the work orientation in the network of a large number of security partners.
The City of Hamm's outreach work will also be integrated into the tried-and-tested collaboration between the municipal public order service (KOD) and the police. Together, the trio will have a stronger and more visible presence in the station district. In addition to checks by the KOD and the police, street workers approach addicted and homeless people directly. The security partners are constantly seeking contact with residents, passers-by and businesses. The measures in the station district are also carried out in close coordination with the Federal Police. The latter is also a partner in the SiKo.
"We take our protection mandate very seriously and are working hard to significantly improve security in the station district. In doing so, we are taking into account the information and concerns that have emerged from various discussion formats," says Thomas Kubera. As an example, the Polizeipräsident cites a security meeting with local residents in November last year and the conference on the development of the station district at the Gustav Lübcke Museum in December.
Some progress has already been made in terms of security in the past. The Polizeipräsident refers to the numerous special operations and covert measures carried out there by Hamm police to combat drug-related crime. Most recently, on Thursday, January 25, the officers were in the station area together with KOD employees as part of a planned special operation (see press release dated 25.01.2024, https://www.presseportal.de/blaulicht/pm/65844/5700041).
The SiKo-Point enables the city and police forces to hold joint briefings on site under appropriate conditions. From the facility, the activities will then unfold directly into the station district in a star shape. The highly visible SiKo-Point will also serve as a contact point for citizens. If the facility is not manned, people seeking help and advice can contact the KOD and the police by telephone using the contact details provided at the SiKo-Point.
Marc Herter emphasizes that the establishment of the SiKo-Point in a container facility is not yet the final step in the ambitions of the city and police around the station: "The containers are an interim solution. They will be available until we can move into a permanent property in the station district." The city also attaches importance to being active not only in terms of public order, but also in terms of prevention. The Lord Mayor says: "That's why the work of the street workers is a crucial point, especially in the Bahnhofsquartier and in the city center."