Joining forces against youth violence

In recent days, there have been clashes between young people in Jena's Paradiespark. The incidents revealed a new quality in the aggressive behavior of individual groups. Those involved in the physical altercations are of Arab and German origin. Several suspects have been identified.

The city and police are taking the events very seriously. On Monday, Benjamin Koppe, head of the security department, called the Jena police and the city authorities together to discuss the situation. During the meeting, the causes of the incidents were discussed. The aim of the efforts was to develop sustainable solutions to protect public safety.

According to Manuela Jakobeit, team leader of youth social work in the social services department, the lack of everyday structures due to the restrictions imposed by the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic are having a particularly negative impact on young people. The restricted school and training routine plays a particularly important role here. The social workers are on site several times a day to talk to the young people.

Head of department Benjamin Koppe: "As a city, we will join forces with the public order office, the city's youth social work department and the police. The authorities involved have no understanding whatsoever for the potential for aggression shown. We will initiate appropriate measures immediately and in a targeted manner. Priority will be given to closely interlinked cooperation between preventative youth work, local authority law and order and the police. This is the only way to act proactively and effectively." According to Koppe, it is also paying off in this situation that the city's central investigation and enforcement service (ZEVD) has increased its staff and is now on patrol more often in the evenings and especially at weekends.

The head of the police inspection service, Rico Schimmel, explained that a wide range of people from Jena and the surrounding area were involved in the clashes. The police will support the patrol activities of the city's ZEVD with their own and, if necessary, external forces and thus contribute to an increased visible presence. It is important to him that the city and police work together to punish and prosecute any infringements that are detected.

In the picture:
Jacqueline Franke, Team Leader ZEVD; Benjamin Koppe, Head of Finance, Security & Citizen Services; Manuela Jakobeit, Team Leader Youth Work; Eberhard Hertzsch, Head of Family, Education & Social Affairs; Rico Schimmel, Head of the Police Inspection Service