Everything You Need to Know About Police Procedures When Racism Is Suspected Within the Ranks in Germany

The police in Germany are a core institution for protecting security and upholding the rule of law. They are required to act neutrally and fairly towards all individuals. However, in some cases, there may be indications of racism within the police – either through individual behaviour or through closed groups that spread hate speech. When such suspicion arises, a chain of legal and administrative measures is set in motion to ensure transparency and accountability.

What does “suspected racism within the police” mean?

This includes, for example:

Racist statements or comments made by police officers (on duty or online).

Participation in closed chat groups that share extremist, racist or degrading content.

Racially discriminatory practices during checks, stops or searches (known as “racial profiling”).

Legal and ethical framework

The German Basic Law (Grundgesetz)

Article 1: Human dignity is inviolable and must be respected and protected.

Article 3: Discrimination on grounds of origin, “race” or religion is prohibited.

Public service and disciplinary law

Civil servants – including police officers – are bound to loyalty to the constitution and strict political and social neutrality.

Any breach of these principles may lead to disciplinary proceedings and, where applicable, criminal sanctions.

How do proceedings start when racism is suspected?

1. Reporting or discovery of the incident

A case may come to light through a complaint filed by a citizen, a colleague, or via media coverage.

If there is a sufficient initial suspicion, an internal Dienstaufsichtsverfahren (disciplinary investigation) can be opened immediately.

2. Internal investigation

This is conducted by internal supervisory or disciplinary units (e.g. internal audit units or disciplinary departments).

It includes reviewing digital evidence (chats, posts, images), taking witness statements from colleagues and examining reports and operational documentation.

3. Temporary suspension

Where there are strong indications of misconduct, the officer concerned may be temporarily suspended from duty until the investigation is completed.

Possible sanctions

Disciplinary measures (Disziplinarmaßnahme): for example, a formal reprimand, salary deduction, or transfer to another position.

Dismissal from service: in serious cases, the officer may be removed from the civil service entirely.

Criminal penalties: if offences such as insult (§ 185 German Criminal Code), incitement to hatred (§ 130 StGB) or abuse of office are proven, criminal proceedings and convictions may follow.

Role of external authorities

Public prosecutor’s office (Staatsanwaltschaft)

If there is suspicion of a criminal offence, the Staatsanwaltschaft (public prosecutor’s office) is informed and a formal criminal investigation is initiated.

Independent complaints bodies

In some federal states, there are independent police complaints bodies or commissions where people can file complaints directly (for example, the police complaints commission in North Rhine-Westphalia).

Role of civil society

Institutions such as the Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency (Antidiskriminierungsstelle des Bundes) support victims in assessing incidents, obtaining legal advice and submitting complaints.

Civil society organisations and NGOs document cases, monitor developments and push for greater transparency, independent oversight and structural reforms.

Practical advice for victims or witnesses

Record details: Note the date, time, place, names or badge numbers of the officers involved, and the names of any witnesses.

Seek legal advice: Contact a lawyer or a human rights or anti-discrimination organisation for support as early as possible.

File a formal complaint: Submit a written complaint internally to the police, to the public prosecutor’s office or to an independent complaints body.

Do not be afraid of repercussions: The law protects you, and the state has a duty to investigate credible allegations of racism.

Conclusion

Ensuring that racism has no place within the police is crucial for maintaining trust between the public and state institutions. The legal and organisational mechanisms in Germany are designed to address every case seriously, investigate it transparently and safeguard the dignity of each individual. If you experience or witness a suspected case of racism within the police, you should make use of the legal options available – silence ultimately protects injustice, not victims.

Important German terms

Dienstaufsichtsverfahren: Internal disciplinary investigation procedure

Racial Profiling: Racially discriminatory identity checks based on appearance

Antidiskriminierungsstelle des Bundes: Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency

Staatsanwaltschaft: Public prosecutor’s office

Disziplinarmaßnahme: Disciplinary measure / sanction

* The editorial team of the website strives to provide accurate information based on thorough research and a review of multiple sources. Nonetheless, errors may occur or some information may be incomplete or not fully verified. Please treat the information provided here as an initial reference and always contact the competent authorities for binding and confirmed details.