The police (Polizei) in Germany are divided into several types. Below the federal level, police officers are the concern of the 16 states/regions and are collectively known as Land police (Landpolizei). The forces are organized by cities, towns, or rural communities, but all are integral components of the police forces of the Land in which they are located.

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The police (Polizei) in Germany are divided into several types. Below the federal level, police officers are the concern of the 16 states/regions and are collectively known as Land police (Landpolizei). The forces are organized by cities, towns, or rural communities, but all are integral components of the police forces of the Land in which they are located. The Land minister of interior supervises police operations in his or her jurisdiction. Although the internal organizations differ somewhat, all Land police are divided into Protective Police (Schutzpolizei), a uniformed service carrying out routine law and order duties, and Criminal Police (Kriminalpolizei), who carry out criminal investigations. Each of Germany’s states is responsible for maintaining a police force. The federal police agency, the Bundeskriminalamt (BKA) handles counterfeiting, bank robbery, kidnapping, and other serious federal crimes. It is a clearinghouse for criminal intelligence records and provides assistance to Land police in forensic matters, research, and criminal investigations. The BKA enters cases only when requested by Land authorities, or in cases involving two or more states.

Law in Germany is codified and is predominantly federal and system of criminal justice is derived from the civil law. Police powers in Germany are governed by the Code of Criminal Procedure (CCP). There is no difference between federal and regional law in regards to authorization to conduct criminal investigation. The police in Germany have the power and discretion to begin investigations as soon as they receive information about an incident and there is no need for exact details of the crime at this initial stage. The police also work closely with the Public Prosecutor in the criminal investigation. Procedures and limitations in regards to special investigation measures, such as interception of communications and undercover investigations, are also outlined in the CCP. Witness protection measures are also addressed in the legislation.

Police powers are limited by criminal legislation as well regulations regarding appropriate behavior that apply to all public officials. Disciplinary measures for an offense by a police officer can result in a penalty, including reprimand, a monetary penalty, a decreased salary, a transfer to another unit or position, dismissal from duty, or loss of entitlement to a pension.

Police training is primarily the responsibility of the individual Land police, although the federal government provides assistance and co-ordination. The high level of police professionalism is attributed in large degree to the length and thoroughness of training. Training of new police recruits is extensive and last for two and a half years at a Police Academy and the actual Police Unit, as well as through traineeships. It takes a few years for a new police officer to begin his/her regular service in the regular police force.

Working in the police force bestows certain limitations. For instance a police officer cannot go on strike and cannot be part of a radical party. Besides the limitations, there are also certain privileges. After working for a certain amount of years, a police officer cannot be dismissed from service, unless it is for disciplinary reasons.

Analysis provided by: Piotr Bysina, Police Legal Expert.

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