Vast numbers of holiday-goers flock to the Baltic Sea island, yet there's a single law enforcement officer in sight!
In the tranquil and picturesque Baltic Sea island of Hiddensee, nestled off the western coast of Rügen, Police Sergeant Thomas Moritz takes on the role of the sole full-time law enforcement officer. With around 1,000 inhabitants and hundreds of thousands of tourists visiting each year, Moritz's responsibilities are diverse and multifaceted.
Maintaining peace on the island is a priority for Moritz, who views his work as an essential contribution to the community. Despite Hiddensee's reputation as a quiet and safe place, issues such as domestic violence, drug problems, and thefts do arise. Moritz navigates these challenges with care, often moving around the island on foot or in the service car.
The tourist season brings additional demands, with Moritz receiving support from another officer during this period. The influx of visitors necessitates a focus on tourism management, environmental protection, and cooperation with local authorities to preserve the island's tranquility and natural resources.
The geographic isolation of Hiddensee presents unique challenges for Moritz. With limited resources and potential delays in backup, officers must be highly adaptable and self-reliant, prepared to handle emergencies independently. Seasonal fluctuations also necessitate versatility, as the temporary increase in population during tourist seasons requires higher demands for crowd control, incident response, and safety oversight.
Environmental factors also play a role in Moritz's duties. Operations must respect the island’s protected landscapes, sometimes requiring delicate handling of incidents involving wildlife or environmental regulations.
Maintaining good relationships with residents and visitors is crucial for Moritz, often requiring conflict resolution skills beyond typical policing. On Thursdays, he meets with older ladies, listens to gossip, and provides prevention tips, often about cybercrime or the grandparent scam.
The mayor of Hiddensee, Thomas Gens, praises the cooperation between the police and the community. Gens states that Hiddensee is fortunate to be distant from the general chaos, a sentiment echoed by Moritz, who maintains a strong relationship with both residents and tourists.
Despite the challenges, Moritz's dedication to his role as the sole full-time police officer on Hiddensee is evident. His versatility, community engagement, and ability to manage unique logistical challenges make him an invaluable asset to the island's peace and safety.
In the course of preserving Hiddensee's tranquil lifestyle, Thomas Moritz finds himself juggling various responsibilities that range from maintaining law and order to managing tourism, particularly during the peak season. Part of Moritz's duties in this coastal haven also involves ensuring the protection of the island's pristine natural resources and its extensive wildlife, often requiring a delicate touch in these sensitive environmental situations.
