Everything You Need to Know About the Criminal Investigation Department (Kriminalpolizei – Kripo) and Its Functions in Germany
Germany’s criminal investigation department, known as the Kriminalpolizei or Kripo, is one of the most important branches of the state police. It is responsible for tackling complex and serious crimes and is widely regarded as the backbone of criminal investigative work, known for high precision and advanced expertise in investigation and analysis.
In this article, we explore everything about Kripo—its role, structure, and the key cases it specializes in.
What is the Kriminalpolizei (Kripo)?
Kripo is part of the state police (Landespolizei) and is dedicated to investigating serious and complex crimes. Unlike the uniformed police (Schutzpolizei), which focuses on patrols and maintaining public order, Kripo concentrates fully on solving crimes, collecting evidence, and pursuing suspects.
Core tasks of Kripo
Investigating major crimes
Homicide cases, attempted murder, and severe physical assaults.
Arson and explosion-related crimes.
Economic and financial crime
Investigations into fraud, money laundering, and major embezzlement cases.
Cybercrime
Addressing online crimes such as digital fraud, cyberattacks, and data breaches.
Sexual offenses and domestic violence
Handling sexual assault, harassment, and violence within the family.
Combating organized crime
Tracking smuggling networks, human trafficking, and cross-border criminal groups.
How does Kripo work?
Evidence collection
Detailed crime scene examination, fingerprint collection, DNA analysis, and reviewing CCTV footage.
Covert investigations
Secret surveillance and suspect tracking, often with units such as MEK (Mobiles Einsatzkommando).
Cooperation with the public prosecutor
Close work with the prosecutor’s office to prepare legal files and bring suspects before the courts.
Working in plain clothes
Kripo officers usually do not wear the official police uniform, allowing greater flexibility and discretion.
Structure and distribution
Kripo exists in every German state, internally divided into specialized teams such as homicide, economic crime, and drug-related crime units.
In major cities, additional sub-units may exist, focusing on specific geographic areas or particular crime types.
Qualifications and training
Kripo officers undergo long and intensive training, including criminology, criminal psychology, analytical techniques, and interrogation methods.
The job requires strong analytical skills, accuracy, and the ability to perform under pressure.
Cooperation with other police forces
Kripo cooperates daily with the uniformed police (Schutzpolizei), the Federal Police (Bundespolizei), and various judicial authorities.
For crimes spanning states or countries, cooperation can involve Europol and Interpol.
General advice for citizens
If you are a witness or victim, cooperate with Kripo and share any information, even if it seems minor.
Keeping information confidential during investigations is essential to support successful outcomes.
Conclusion
The Kriminalpolizei (Kripo) is a cornerstone in fighting complex crime in Germany, characterized by strong professionalism and a solid organizational structure.
Understanding how this department works strengthens public trust in the security system and encourages cooperation—an important step toward a safer society.
Always remember: a single reliable piece of information can make a major difference in solving a crime and protecting the innocent.
The website’s writers and editors strive to provide accurate information through extensive research and by consulting multiple sources. However, errors may occur or some information may be unconfirmed. Therefore, please consider the information in these articles as an initial reference and always consult the relevant competent authorities for verified information.
