In a statement to the ‘Rheinische Post’, Krings emphasized the necessity of current regulations that allow ticket inspectors to detain suspected fare evaders until police arrival. He argued that without criminal penalties, fare evasion would become rampant, undermining the effectiveness of fare enforcement. Contrarily, Sven Rebehn, managing director of the judges’ association, advocated for a civil law approach, suggesting that fare evasion should only be criminalized in specific circumstances. The debate continues amid calls for reform from various legal and police organizations.