Werkschutzpolizei (Factory protection service)
Werkschutzpolizei (Factory Protection Police)[edit]
The Werkschutzpolizei, or the Factory Protection Police, were the security guards of Nazi Germany.[1] Its personnel were civilians employed by industrial enterprises, and typically were issued paramilitary uniforms.[2] The individuals of the Werkschutzpolizei were employed directly by factories or agencies and worked as gate keepers, security guards, and watchmen. They were regulated by the German Air Ministry (Reichsluftfahrtministerium).[3]
The Formation[edit]
With the rising war effort, Hitler found it necessary to have a protection service such as the Werkschutz, or a factory protection service. It was administered and operated similarly to the Self-Protection Service, but with certain additional features, i.e., a leader-in-charge, control room for the premises, and simple rescue and first aid equipment[4]
Function[edit]
The primary function of this police force was to report acts of laziness, slacking, and suspected sabotage. They were all gate keepers, security guards, and watchmen of the Third Reich.[5] Members of the Werkschutzpolizei were generally not allowed to use military equipment such as combat helmets, as were all other paramilitary organizations. There is only one known picture of the German Labor Front, another paramilitary organization, using military equipment, showing the way these groups were limited.[5]
Formal Attire[edit]
The Werkschutz Polizei Gorget was worn over the left breast pocket of the Werkschutzpolizei uniform. They were made of heavy zinc-brass alloy, painted with a three color finish, 110x55 millimeters, and weighing 51.26 grams. They were identified with the serial number "9094". These were worn primarily by Police Officer's at the large and important factories during the war for identification.[6]
References[edit]
- ↑ Haberer, Eric (2001). The German Police and Genocide in Belorussia, 1941-1944. Journal of Genocide Research 3, no. 1. p. 87. Search this book on
- ↑ "Politische Gruppen: Werksschutzpolizie - Factory Protection Police".
- ↑ "Politische Gruppen: Werksschutzpolizie - Factory Protection Police".
- ↑ Davis, Brian (2007). The German Home Front 1939-1945. Oxford, UK: Osprey Publishing. p. 54. Search this book on
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Nex, Phil, Georges (2006). The uniformed police forces of the Third Reich: 1933-1945. United Kingdom: Helion, Limited. p. 212.CS1 maint: Multiple names: authors list (link) Search this book on
- ↑ "Werkschutz - Factory Protection Police Gorget".
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