![[2560x1709] German Federal Police (Bundespolizei) BFE+ operators securing a platform during a counter-terrorism exercise at a German railway station](https://preview.redd.it/c0qh93jz982h1.jpeg?auto=webp&s=bd58c6db991a68c3ae17067c97d0a59117539ee8)
[2560x1709] German Federal Police (Bundespolizei) BFE+ operators securing a platform during a counter-terrorism exercise at a German railway station
Context on the unit and scenario pictured:
Who are they? These officers belong to the BFE+ (Beweissicherungs- und Festnahmeeinheit plus / Evidence Gathering and Arrest Unit Plus) of the German Federal Police (Bundespolizei).
The Origin: Established in late 2015 following the Charlie Hebdo and Paris terror attacks, the BFE+ was created as a "robust" support layer. It bridges the operational gap between standard patrol forces and high-tier counter-terror special forces like the GSG 9.
Training by GSG 9: BFE+ personnel are recruited from existing, highly capable riot control arrest units (BFE). They undergo intensive tactical training directly conducted and supervised by the GSG 9 to handle prolonged, mobile terrorist situations and militarily trained perpetrators.
The Scenario: Railway stations are prime operational environments for the Federal Police, who are legally responsible for Germany’s rail network security, as well as airports (border security). Exercises like the one pictured — often involving simulated active shooters or complex bomb threats — are regularly conducted during night hours or low-traffic periods to maintain high combat readiness in confined infrastructure.
Gear & Camouflage: Unlike regular police navy-blue uniforms, BFE+ operators typically wear distinctly robust, dark tactical gear, heavy plate carriers (Class 4), ballistic high-cut helmets, and advanced tactical communication sets.
Firepower: To match heavily armed adversaries, their primary weapon is the Heckler & Koch G36K or Haenel CR223 assault rifle (classified as Mitteldistanzwaffe / medium-range weapon), outfitted with various optical sights and weapon lights. Their secondary sidearm is usually the HK SFP9 or Glock 17.