Berlin Senate Seeks Multilingual Security Firm for Görlitzer Park, Excludes Russian Nationals
The Berlin Senate has initiated a public tender for a new security service to oversee Görlitzer Park in the Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg district, aiming to address ongoing concerns related to crime and drug activity within the area. The selected company will be responsible for both locking the park at night and maintaining a visible security presence, including patrols with trained dogs.
The contract outlines comprehensive requirements for the potential security provider. One notable stipulation is the emphasis on multilingual staff, reflecting the diverse community frequenting Görlitzer Park. This is intended to facilitate effective communication with a broad spectrum of park visitors and ensure clear understanding of security instructions, particularly during park closure hours.
Another specific requirement in the tender documents is the explicit exclusion of Russian nationals from employment within the park's security team. This criterion has been introduced as part of the broader set of qualifications and requirements established by the city's project management company, Grün Berlin GmbH, which is overseeing the application process and selection.
According to the tender, the chosen security company will be tasked with closing and securing all 17 turnstile entrances to Görlitzer Park each night. The scope of duties also includes continuous monitoring of the park after hours to deter unauthorized access, criminal activities, and to ensure that all individuals have vacated the premises before the park is locked for the night.
Additionally, security personnel will be equipped with trained dogs as part of their patrols. The presence of dogs is intended as a deterrent against unlawful activity and to provide an added layer of security for both the staff and the general public. The document highlights the need for staff to be not only vigilant but also able to interact professionally and respectfully with park-goers during late hours, especially when asking individuals to leave the premises at closing time.
This new approach comes amid ongoing scrutiny of the current security provider. Recent allegations have surfaced regarding possible links to far-right groups associated with the existing firm working at Görlitzer Park. These concerns have prompted the Senate to review the selection process for the new contract, aiming to ensure transparency, compliance with anti-discrimination standards, and the highest degree of professionalism among the security staff.
The implementation of nightly closures is set to begin in March, as part of the city's broader strategy to improve public safety and reduce criminal incidents in the park. The Senate's decision to require a new security service underscores its commitment to fostering a safer environment while considering the diverse needs of the local population.
By setting clear qualifications for the security team--such as language skills and the exclusion of specific nationalities--the Senate aims to foster trust among residents and park visitors and to address longstanding safety concerns in one of Berlin's most well-known public spaces.