How the University of Konstanz is prepared for a killing spree – SWR Aktuell

The bloody deed at the University of Heidelberg also caused horror among students and lecturers at the University of Konstanz. The university is prepared for similar events.

Around lunchtime there is a lot of activity in the main building of the University of Konstanz: some students are on their way to the canteen, others are sitting together and talking. Everyone is talking about Heidelberg. The teaching staff is also concerned. Steffen Eckhard teaches political and administrative research at the University of Konstanz. He is particularly concerned with the question: What if that had happened in one of his lectures? He thinks you can’t be prepared for that.

But how well is the University of Konstanz actually prepared for a possible killing spree? As good as it gets, says Tilo Prautzsch, he is the head of building management and develops scenarios so that the university is prepared for a possible rampage. He says the university did almost everything to react appropriately to dangerous situations. Amok operations are all about good cooperation with the police.

False amok alarm was a test for an emergency

The university had to test its rampage strategy once, says Prautzsch. About two years ago, someone posted on a social network that a killing spree was taking place in the canteen. It turned out the killing spree was invented. Nevertheless, there was a large police operation. That was a good test, so Prautzsch, to train the cooperation with the emergency services.

Prautzsch believes it is hardly feasible to further increase security precautions on campus. The only option would be to fence off the campus and carry out airport-style controls. But that contradicts the free concept of German universities. And the students don’t think it’s necessary either.

SWR reporter Friederike Fiehler was at the University of Konstanz:

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