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After only two years, Leipzig has a new police chief.
René Demmler took over command of more than 3200 employees on February 1st and is facing a challenging mountain of work.
Interior Minister Roland Wöller (CDU) described the 49-year-old as an "experienced deployment strategist".
After the surprisingly early departure of his predecessor, Demmler does not see himself as a gap filler.
“Personally, I have unrestricted prospects to stay in Leipzig,” he said in an interview with the German Press Agency.
Demmler now has to deal with problems in the trade fair city such as extremism, the “bicycle gate” and cases of suspected racism within the police.
"You don't do Connewitz justice if you equate it with extremism," said Demmler.
The district, in which there are repeated clashes between demonstrators and the police, is a "colorful district, slightly different from others".
"But if violence breaks out there or dangerous situations arise, each individual case is assessed and our resources are used accordingly," he says.
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In addition to communication and de-escalation, one must be set up in such a way that freedom of assembly is guaranteed.
“Only communication is not always enough!
One can also de-escalate through strength. "
Demmler wants to react to suspected cases in connection with right-wing extremism and racism in the police with “intensive work”.
“We have to take great care of ourselves and keep questioning ourselves.
There are demonstrations where police officers are insulted for hours, that does something to them. "