German Police Authorities Fail to Provide Transparency in Internal Affairs, Expert Says
A prominent police scientist, Rafael Behr, has criticized German police authorities for their lack of transparency in internal affairs, particularly in cases where police officers use their firearms. According to Behr, police presidencies often fail to provide the public with sufficient information, instead opting to refer to ongoing investigations and thereby avoiding criticism.
Behr, who has researched police culture and the relationship between the police and the public, stated in an interview with the Mannheimer Morgen that while there have been some improvements in recent years, the police still struggle to consistently prioritize transparency in their communication. He noted that presidencies often only open up when it comes to external matters, but tend to be less forthcoming when it comes to internal issues, such as the use of firearms.
Behr also criticized the fact that police presidencies often fail to employ professional press officers, instead relying on police officers with little to no media experience. He suggested that this approach can lead to a lack of transparency and effective communication with the public.
The expert emphasized the need for police authorities to adopt a more professional approach to public relations, one that involves clear and transparent communication. He argued that this would not only benefit the public but also the police themselves, as it would help to build trust and credibility.
Behr’s comments come as a warning to the police to recognize the importance of transparency in their internal affairs and to take steps to improve their communication with the public. He urged the public to be understanding of the police’s need for discretion, but also to hold them accountable for providing a high level of transparency in their dealings with the media and the public.