Police Commissioner presents third activity report: Complaints rise by 58 percent

The office, created in 2024 by the Ampel coalition with its 20 staff members, serves as a point of contact both for citizens and for employees of the federal police authorities. Its tasks include uncovering and investigating structural deficiencies and undesirable developments at the Federal Police, the BKA and the Police of the German Bundestag.

Tasks and Reach of the Office

In 50 of the complaints received, according to the Commissioner, there were concrete indications of discrimination and racial profiling through Federal Police measures. In 33 of these cases, the Police Commissioner initiated investigative proceedings. Most of these incidents involved control situations at German borders, including checks at airports, train stations and on trains. The report defines racial profiling as suspicionless checks carried out solely on the basis of external characteristics such as skin color, ethnic origin or language.

Grötsch stated that he observes the internal border controls "with growing concern". The level of personnel deployment is not sustainable on a permanent basis. At the same time, he emphasized that, according to current figures, the Federal Police has the migration policy situation at the borders under control.

Discrimination and Racial Profiling in Focus

The Commissioner spoke out in favor of greater flexibility in carrying out checks on the ground. The use of modern technical means such as automated license plate recognition or drone technology could make "an important contribution to relieving the strain on personnel".

In addition, Grötsch called for enhanced evaluation of control situations and improved awareness among police employees with regard to a transparent and citizen-friendly control practice.

Structural Problems and Personnel Issues

Another topic of the report was structural deficiencies within the police. These included a lack of an error culture, poor communication, sexually motivated harassment and the situation of women in leadership positions. Many of the complaints submitted by police employees concerned personal matters such as performance assessments, promotions and disciplinary proceedings.

The report also addressed the poor structural condition of Federal Police properties as well as the consequences of the internal border controls. Overall, the Police Commissioner assesses the development of the office positively, but continues to see a need for action regarding control practices and the handling of complaints.