Disaster Protection and Security Policy in Solingen: Challenges and Measures in April 2026

Disaster Protection is being strategically expanded – but financing remains an issue

Security policy in Solingen has become significantly more urgent in April 2026. At the center of the discussion is the topic of disaster protection, which has gained urgency due to the GPA audit report and the increasing risks from climate change and human-made disasters. The city is developing various concepts, including an IT concept for the crisis management team, a supply and logistics concept for the fire department, and a lighthouse concept for emergency power supply. The latter is planned for 2027 and aims to ensure the power supply of municipal buildings in crisis situations.

However, disaster protection in Solingen is described as structurally underfunded. Although the federal government plans to provide financial support of up to 12 million euros annually until 2029 through the "National Reserve Blackout" initiative, funding applications for flood protection measures have so far been rejected. This highlights the dependence of local crisis prevention on state support.

Security Gaps in the Public Space: Cigarette Vending Machine Explosions as a New Risk

Another security issue currently on the rise in Solingen is the explosion of cigarette vending machines. In the first quarter of 2026, several incidents were recorded in which vending machines in residential areas were damaged by explosions. The perpetrators usually target cash and tobacco products, causing not only material damage but also a direct danger to people in the surrounding area.

The city plans to intensify cooperation with machine operators and discuss security measures. In addition, close coordination with the police is planned to incorporate insights into criminal patterns and vulnerable locations. However, there is no comprehensive protection against such explosions, which is why a combination of prevention, technical protection, and police presence is being pursued.

Local Order Service: Staff Shortages and Vacancy Problems

Another central issue in the security sector is the Local Order Service (KOD), which is currently facing a calculated vacancy of 2.4 positions. The sick leave rate in 2025 was above the average of the core administration, and there were no spontaneous applications in 2025. This raises the question of how the city of Solingen can stabilize the KOD in the long term, especially given the increasing tasks in the field of public safety and order.

In addition, the possibility of expanding cooperation with street work services and extending it into the night hours is being examined. A personnel needs and deployment concept is to form the basis for further cooperation. This could provide valuable support in sensitive districts and during vulnerable times such as the night.

Outlook: Security Policy in the Balance Between Preparedness and Resources

Currently, security policy in Solingen moves between the necessity to prevent crises and mitigate risks and the reality of limited resources. The city is relying on concepts that strengthen disaster protection and at the same time convey an awareness of self-protection to citizens. At the same time, it has to live with security gaps in the public space and a structurally underfunded disaster protection system.

The Committee for Safety, Civil Protection, and Quality of Stay will discuss these issues on 27.04.2026. The discussion will show whether and how the city can concretize and implement its security policy in the coming months and years – against the backdrop of the uncertainties that the present and future bring.