Justice and Security

Living in a safe environment

As law and order are an important aspect of a well functioning society, Saarland’s government has implemented extensive police and justice reforms, so that not only the people of Saarland, but also our visitors can feel safe and free.

As a result, police forces in Saarland can now intensively take care of the citizens’ safety and needs.

The survey conducted by the news magazine Focus has revealed that when it comes to security, efficiency of the police and an overall feeling of safety, Saarland ranks amongst the first of the German Federal States.

High success rate in solving crimes
One of the main reasons for this success: After an era when police forces were diminishing in the 1990ies, we have begun employing new personnel. Since 1999, already 500 police officers have taken up their duties. As a result, police forces in Saarland can now intensively take care of the citizens’ safety and needs. What is more, police has specialised in current fields of importance, such as domestic violence or drug abuse. After we reformed the police and increased its forces, the success rate in solving crimes reached record numbers over the past two years and is currently at 55.8 percent, one of the top rates in Germany. As we deem the protection of victims more important than that of perpetrators, Saarland’s government has appointed specific officials for victim protection and has initiated a witness programme to help in overcoming their often horrific experiences. A further priority of our government is local crime prevention. For this reason, mayors now have the possibility to employ local security services to hold and search suspects as well as take their particulars within the municipality, thereby ensuring direct and effective measures against vandals.

Justice: Transparent and close to citizens

Being the framework for internal security, justice in Saarland has turned into a modern service provider over the past years. Citizens receive fast and effective legal protection and advice. Since a functioning legal system is an important location factor also for a future-oriented economy, we have prevented several branches of district courts from closing.