The number of attacks on law enforcement officers in the region continues to rise.
According to the criminal department’s report for 2023, the number of such incidents increased by nearly 19% compared to the previous year, reaching 9,829 cases. As a result of these attacks, over 23,000 police officers were injured.
More than a third of the attackers are foreigners, with their number growing by 24%, reaching 2,959 individuals. The number of suspects with German citizenship also increased by 11%. The report highlights the rise in violence among children and teenagers. The most common crimes were resistance to law enforcement (over 50% of cases) and physical assaults (almost 30%).
The Minister of the Interior of North Rhine-Westphalia, Herbert Reul, expressed concern over this situation.
“Every day in our region, 65 police officers become victims of violence. These are shocking numbers that show that respect for law enforcement is disappearing. When those who protect us are attacked, it is an attack on each of us,” he said.
