A decline in investigations into North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) police officers over alleged excessive force has sparked debate regarding accountability and oversight within the state’s law enforcement agencies. Figures released following a parliamentary inquiry reveal 656 new investigations initiated in 2024, a decrease from 781 in 2022 and 709 in 2023. However, the vast majority of these investigations are subsequently dropped due to a lack of sufficient evidence to secure a conviction, resulting in a strikingly low number of indictments or criminal orders.
The decrease in formal charges – falling from 15 in 2022 and 16 in 2023 to just 12 in 2024 – raises questions about the thoroughness of inquiries and the threshold for initiating legal proceedings against officers. The Police Union (GdP) in NRW has downplayed the investigations as evidence of misconduct, arguing many complaints are dismissed due to a failure to substantiate initial suspicions.
GdP regional chairman, Patrick Schlüter, attributes the perceived improvement to the consistent application of de-escalation strategies employed by the NRW police during demonstrations. He emphasizes the focus on early conflict identification, open communication and a phased approach involving verbal warnings before resorting to force. According to Schlüter, the de-escalation model is designed to protect freedom of assembly and minimize violence while remaining vigilant against genuine threats.
While publicly presented as a commitment to responsible policing, the union’s narrative has drawn scrutiny from civil liberties advocates. Critics argue that the emphasis on de-escalation, coupled with a relaxed approach to holding officers accountable, risks undermining public trust and potentially shielding problematic behaviour. Concerns persist that the high rate of dropped investigations may signal an inherent bias within the system, making it difficult to effectively challenge police actions.
The legal framework dictates that officers are only permitted to use force in situations where immediate danger needs to be averted or when lawfully mandated actions cannot be completed through alternative means. The policy mandates selecting the least forceful option available, prioritizing communication and de-escalation efforts. Schlüter asserts that every instance of force is meticulously documented as a legal obligation and a standard operational practice. Nevertheless, ongoing scrutiny will be crucial to ensure these policies translate into tangible accountability and transparent oversight of policing practices within NRW.