Image: Manuel Ostermann’s new book, currently an Amazon bestseller / X
Germany’s internal security is under growing pressure. Rising street violence, political inaction, and a surge in hostility towards police have drawn increasing concern. Among those speaking out is Manuel Ostermann—one of Germany’s most prominent police union leaders—who has now issued a clear warning: the erosion of public safety is not just a national issue, but a European one.
In his newly released book, Ostermann outlines the serious security challenges facing Germany, arguing that these trends will likely emerge across Europe if left unaddressed. His work serves as both a critical analysis and a rallying call to citizens, politicians, and law enforcement professionals.
Mounting Security Concerns and a Strained Police Force
According to Ostermann, Germany is witnessing a deterioration in public order. While elected officials express condolences following terror attacks, necessary preventive measures are often delayed or avoided. Crime statistics are rising, migration remains poorly regulated, and violence on the streets has become a daily reality—not only for citizens, women, and children, but increasingly for the officers tasked with protecting them.
Police across Germany now operate in an environment of heightened stress, frequent hostility, and diminishing public trust. Many officers feel abandoned by political leadership and face increasing uncertainty about their own safety while on duty.
“It’s Five to Midnight”: An Urgent Appeal for Change
Manuel Ostermann, 35, has served in the police force for 15 years and is currently the first Deputy Federal Chairman of the German Police Union (DPolG) for the federal police. Since 2023, he has played a leading role in shaping national debates around domestic security and police policy.
His new book—already a bestseller—offers an unflinching look at the state of public safety in Germany. He writes:
“Without security, there is no freedom. Without freedom, there is no democracy.”
Ostermann advocates for a resolute and non-ideological approach to combating extremism—whether from the far left, far right, or driven by religious motivations. He also calls for stronger political backing for police forces and a more robust, coherent security strategy at the national level.
Sharp Criticism of Germany’s Afghan Resettlement Programme
The DPolG recently submitted a formal complaint to Chancellor Olaf Scholz, urging an immediate suspension of the federal resettlement programme for Afghan nationals. The union cited serious security gaps and a lack of reliable identity verification procedures. Officials have reported recurring incidents of falsified documents and expressed concern over the role of NGOs in facilitating entries under unclear conditions.
In a separate public statement, Ostermann and DPolG Federal Chairman Heiko Teggatz warned of the broader dangers posed by uncontrolled migration. They jointly called for tighter border controls, the cancellation of the Afghan resettlement scheme, and a comprehensive review of Germany’s migration and security policies.
Austria and Germany: Shared Security Challenges
Ostermann’s warnings have also resonated in neighbouring Austria. The Sicherheit-Zeitung, along with security advocacy initiatives from Vienna, Frankfurt, Magdeburg and Berlin, have closely followed his work. Many of the concerns raised in Germany—particularly regarding migration, extremist violence, and lack of political will—are echoed by law enforcement professionals in Austria.
The parallels between both countries highlight a broader European trend: national security services are increasingly overburdened, while political responses remain fragmented and inconsistent.
A Book Europe Should Not Ignore
Ostermann’s book is more than a critique of German policy—it is a wake-up call for all of Europe. His message is clear: democratic societies cannot afford to neglect internal security. A resilient democracy requires empowered, respected, and well-supported police forces.
As political polarisation and societal tensions grow, Ostermann’s voice joins a rising chorus across Europe urging decisive action. His work reminds us that defending freedom begins with safeguarding public order—and that delaying meaningful reform may come at a high cost.
Source: https://sicherheit-zeitung.at/2025/03/21/polizei/polizist-manuel-ostermann/
