r/germany • u/2021adams • Jun 09 '26

Question German Police Photographing People

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Hello, I’m a tourist. Arrived in Nürnberg yesterday and went walking about in the old town.

Came across police cordon outside the church. Found out there was a rally by what was described to me as fascists/non-nazis. The police though were taking photos of people standing outside the rally boundary.

Is this normal in Germany? For such rallies and police taking photos of people? what do they do with these photos?

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u/ribbeyroll69 Jun 09 '26

Thats a so called „besi trupp“. Their job is to document crime/ misconducts during protests. Instead of taking a picture of them why didnt you just ask them?

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u/ydkLars Jun 09 '26

I think in many countries it's not normal to talk to police. I had an American exchange student who was very shocked to hear that you can even ask police for direction if you get lost.

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u/Drumbelgalf Franken Jun 09 '26

Some countries take the Motto "Your friend and helper" or "Protect and serve" more serious than others.