Münster/Rheine. In a ceremonial setting, the administrative district of Münster, including the city of Rheine, joined the prevention network #sicherimDienst on Wednesday, October 19. NRW Minister of the Interior Herbert Reul, District President Andreas Bothe and Police Commissioner Alexandra Dorndorf welcomed members of parliament, district councils, mayors and numerous other municipal representatives from the administrative district as new network partners on the premises of the Münster district government. The NRW initiative #sicherimDienst offers important assistance for the safety and protection of public service employees in an association of more than 300 authorities.
Verbal hostility and physical violence are part of everyday life in the public sector: rescue workers, teachers, educators and employees in public authorities are increasingly confronted with violence. “With our network, which is unique in Germany, we are sending a strong signal for more security for public service employees,” Reul made clear at the event. District President Andreas Bothe was pleased about the united entry of the municipal family in the region: “As partners of #sicherimDienst, we are jointly committed to the protection and safety of public service employees and can benefit from the network – this is a gain for our colleagues in the entire administrative district.”
In the meantime, more than 700 multipliers from over 300 authorities, organizations, institutions and associations have joined the #sicherimDienst network. The goals are violence prevention in the public service, the exchange of experience and the exchange of practical examples. The office of the interdepartmental coordination group of #sicherimDienst is affiliated with Münster Police Headquarters.
“Unfortunately, we have noticed for years that disrespect and also criminally relevant insults as well as threats are increasing. Even physical attacks are occurring. For this reason, the city of Rheine has also joined the network,” explains Rheines Mayor Dr. Peter Lüttmann.
Information on the #sicherimDienst prevention network can be found at www.sicherimdienst.nrw.