Psychological and emotional strain among German police officers is significantly higher than in other professions, according to an analysis by the Police Union (GdP) reported by the “Münchner Merkur” (Tuesday edition) for Ippen Media. The union says that the consequences of this mental distress have already caused more absences within the police force and will pose a medium‑term security issue.
The GdP’s assessment is based on the German Confederation of Trade Unions’ (DGB) nationwide employee survey “Index Good Work” covering the years 2020 to 2025. The data shows that police are especially frequently exposed to conflicts-50 % of the surveyed officers reported conflict situations compared with an average of 14 % in other occupations. They also experience insults or disrespectful behaviour more often (18 % versus 10 % in other groups).
In addition, 55 % of the police respondents reported that they often or very often have to meet demands that are difficult to reconcile with one another, compared with 32 % for other professions. Over half of the officers (51 %) said they feel hurried at work and are under time pressure.
Hagen Husgen, a federal board member of the GdP, explained that the growing, chronic psychological load is increasingly leading to long‑term illnesses and absences lasting more than twelve weeks. “We are approaching a point where the still‑healthy employees can no longer absorb the absence of those who are ill” he said. “This will become a security problem in Germany over the longer term”.
Husgen also called on Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) to take responsibility. “Now suddenly border security has to be established, and officers are forced to go there” he said. “The police are being driven by ever‑new political directives from the federal government and the Interior Minister”. He warned that “at least 20,000” additional officers will be needed to meet current duties without causing further staff sickness.
The DGB index surveyed 36,598 workers overall during the mentioned period. Data for police were derived from 296 employees in the full‑time policing and criminal investigation services.