They went on to express that events in the last weeks have caused for a feeling of loss of assurance amongst Karneval revelers. “This is why we want to emphasize that the rules we have about how we get along with each other on a daily basis, also apply during these times of celebration. In Bonn, we have respect for every woman and man. We take care of each other, and are committed to our peaceful co-existence. Three times Alaaf!” (If you hear people yelling “Alaaf”, don’t worry, they are not cursing you – it is the cheerful battle cry of Karneval. It is pronounced Ah-lahf.)

In Siegburg, officials have announced that they will have more police on patrol than ever, and this year they will have one central coordination bureau for all police instead of each unit coordinating within their own departments. Director of Operations, Uwe Pasternak said that events in Cologne on New Year’s Eve had influenced their planning. It can be that police have to work longer shifts, postpone days off, or cancel planned vacations. Police in training will also be assigned to patrols, paired with more experienced policemen and policewomen.

Their concept includes four major points: maintain police presence and visibility, special troops to react quickly to conflict, undercover police and a central control headquarters with the big picture. Social media will also figure in to their plans as they monitor it for any signs or reports of trouble.

The campaign motto for this year, “Respect – also at Karneval!”

(Orig. text: Bettina Kohl/Matthias Hendorf/ck)