Nearly 200 German Police Officers Under Investigation for Extremist Views

At least 193 police officers across Germany’s federal states are currently facing disciplinary actions or investigations on suspicion of holding right-wing extremist beliefs or subscribing to conspiracy ideologies. This is the result of a joint investigation by RTL and Stern, which contacted the interior ministries of all 16 German states. The actual number may be significantly higher due to incomplete reporting by several states.

According to the findings, North Rhine-Westphalia and Berlin each reported around 80 disciplinary cases currently under review, but both states said they no longer assign political categories to such cases, making it difficult to determine which involve extremist content. Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania indicated that updated figures would not be available until the final quarter of the year. Thüringen also lacked current, categorized data.

Total Caseload Since 2020 Exceeds 570

Since 2020, a total of more than 571 disciplinary cases or formal investigations have been initiated against police officers for suspected extremist or conspiracy-related beliefs. However, due to inconsistent documentation and the lack of political categorization in some regions, observers believe the true scale is larger. The absence of standardized classification systems in several states further complicates nationwide monitoring.

Interior ministers from several federal states have responded to the revelations. Bavaria’s Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann (CSU) stressed that such cases are unacceptable: “Every single case is one too many. Officers must uphold and embody the democratic constitutional order in their professional and private lives,” he told Stern and RTL.

Herbert Reul (CDU), the Interior Minister of North Rhine-Westphalia, took an equally firm stance. “Extremist views have no place here. Anyone who does not understand that will be removed,” he stated.

Data Transparency and Political Classification Remain Inconsistent

The investigation revealed that several states either do not consistently record political leanings of officers under suspicion or have stopped doing so entirely. North Rhine-Westphalia, for example, previously distinguished cases by political orientation but no longer maintains that practice. This shift, while aimed at neutrality, also creates difficulties in understanding the scale of far-right influences within the ranks.

Berlin follows a similar pattern, listing dozens of active cases but not specifying ideological context. Meanwhile, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania has yet to release any new data for the year, citing that figures will only be compiled in the last quarter.

The lack of clear political attribution makes it challenging for watchdogs and policymakers to assess whether extremism among police officers is increasing, stabilizing, or declining. It also hinders the development of focused strategies to prevent radicalization within law enforcement agencies.

Broader Public Debate on Extremism in Uniform

The issue of political extremism within Germany’s security forces has become a growing point of concern in recent years. Cases of officers sharing extremist content in private chat groups, including racist and conspiracy-driven materials, have prompted national outrage and calls for stronger oversight. While many of these incidents remain isolated, their recurrence has fueled fears that far-right ideologies may have deeper roots within state institutions than previously acknowledged.

In the past, several high-profile incidents have led to suspensions and internal reviews. However, critics argue that consequences are often slow or inconsistent. Civil society groups and legal experts have called for mandatory political training and psychological assessments during recruitment, along with routine evaluations throughout an officer’s career.

Calls for Stronger Accountability and Reform

Experts and politicians across party lines agree that officers must fully commit to Germany’s constitutional values. However, there is less consensus on how to systematically identify and respond to extremist tendencies among active personnel.

Minister Herrmann emphasized that loyalty to democratic principles is not optional. “Officers represent the state and must serve as role models for civic responsibility and lawful behavior,” he said. His counterpart in North Rhine-Westphalia echoed this sentiment, calling for swift dismissal in confirmed cases of ideological misconduct.

Several ministries have also expressed the need for better data tracking, including detailed annual reports and a uniform classification system across states. The Interior Ministry has not yet confirmed whether it will issue national guidelines to improve transparency and oversight.

Implications for Public Trust

The revelations come at a time of heightened sensitivity around state authority and trust in public institutions. The ongoing political climate, marked by the rise of the AfD and widespread debates on migration, security, and social cohesion, places added pressure on police forces to remain neutral, professional, and firmly rooted in democratic values.

If internal ideological extremism is left unchecked, observers warn, it may weaken public confidence in law enforcement and the rule of law. The findings underline the urgent need for clear standards, rapid disciplinary responses, and proactive prevention efforts to preserve integrity within Germany’s police forces.