Group security
Security on trains and at stations
To ensure security on trains and at stations, DB Group relies on three pillars in particular: the presence of security staff, close cooperation with the Federal police and the use of modern technology, including drones and video and sensor technology. There are currently about 11,000 modern video cameras in operation at about 1,000 stations. The live images from the cameras are used by DB Group employees for dispatch, traffic control and monitoring and to exercise the right to determine who is allowed or denied access. Only the Federal police has access to recordings from the cameras. Video technology is just one pillar alongside the presence of personnel, which remains a fundamental component of security concepts. The full benefit of video technology can only be leveraged if it enables rapid intervention by the emergency services. About 80% of vehicles in the local transport fleet are equipped with video recording technology.
Increased presence to protect infrastructure
The expected KRITIS Umbrella Act for the protection of critical infrastructure presents DB Group with significant challenges as the operator of complex infrastructure in Germany. Under the legislation, large parts of facilities and buildings, as well as DB Group’s IT infrastructure, will be defined as critical infrastructure, whereas this previously only applied to selected facilities such as high-speed lines or operations centers. In close cooperation with the Federal Ministry of the Interior and the Federal Ministry for Transport, DB Group is developing infrastructure protection strategies, protection concepts and a reporting and alert system. The targeted establishment of redundancies and the increasing technical security of outdoor facilities are already being implemented.
Prevention work provides information about and protect against accidents
DB Group’s 24 prevention experts work in close cooperation with the prevention forces of the Federal police on local prevention projects and nationwide campaigns. In order to be even more present in the future, it was decided in the first half of 2025 to increase the number of prevention officers by a further 14. The prevention teams are deployed at stations, at railway crossings, and also at freight yards, for example, if there is an increase in unauthorized track crossings. In these locations and at schools and youth organizations, they raise awareness of the dangers at railway facilities and give children and young people tips on how to travel safely by train.
Vice-Presidency of European security cooperation assumed
At the annual plenary meeting of the COLPOFER (Collaboration of railway police and security services) special group of the International Union of Railways (Union Internationale des Chemins de fer; UIC), DB Group’s Head of Group Security was elected as the new Vice-President. This means DB Group has a strong role to play in international cooperation on security issues in the rail sector and will continue its commitment to security in European rail transport.
Focus on employee safety
DB Group is continuing to use bodycams to better protect employees against attacks. In addition to security personnel, who have been equipped with bodycams since 2016, about 5,000 train conductors on DB Regional’s local transport services now have the option of wearing bodycams when on duty, initially on a voluntary basis. Within the narrow limits of data protection regulations, the bodycams not only provide reliable evidence in the event of an assault, but employees also emphasize their first-hand experience of the de-escalating and deterrent effect of the highly visible devices. DB Long-Distance is also testing the use of bodycams – initially only at night.
Networking for greater security
DB Group is closely networked with authorities, ministries, and other railways in Germany and abroad. The aim is to take a joint approach to challenges arising from the current security policy situation. With the rise of hybrid threats, the topic of resilience is becoming increasingly important. In practice, this means checking the stability of both the infrastructure and operating processes to a greater extent than previously and making them resilient based on known threat scenarios.
Establishing pan-European defense capabilities has also become more important for DB Group. DB Group plays a particular role in this respect in the heart of Europe. It endeavors to define requirements and plan possible scenarios with military and civilian partners.
DB Group advocates sector-wide safety standards for trains and stations among policymakers, associations and authorities. These should already be made binding in the invitations to tender for transport contracts. Only this way the demands for a stronger presence of security personnel and video technology on buses and trains can be realized. From DB Group’s perspective, this is a key factor in encouraging people to switch to public transport.