German police

Like many other public institutions, the police in Germany are organised by the 16 federal states. These regional police forces also cooperate with several federal law enforcement agencies. The role of the police is to investigate and fight crime and protect the public from danger. 

Contacting the police in Germany

If you were the victim of a crime and would like to report it, you can get in touch with the police in the following ways: 

Call the police on 110 (emergency number)

In cases of emergency, you can contact the police by calling 110. The helpline operators, as well as many police officers, can usually speak English.

Telephone (for non-emergencies)

Each different police force has its own non-emergency telephone number. You can find a list of numbers, by state, here.

Many state police forces also operate their own anonymous tip lines. 

Contact the German police online

You can also report crimes online via the Online Police Station (Onlinewache). This service is not intended for traffic accidents or complex crimes, but can be used to report if you have been a victim of a crime or spotted something suspicious. 

This includes:

• Fraud
• Theft
• Property damage
• Hate crimes 
• Feedback or complaints for the police 

At your local police station

You can report crimes at your local police station. You should bring a passport or other form of ID. You can find your local police station on the polizei.de website.

Some police forces also operate mobile police stations to increase their presence in local neighbourhoods. This gives you the opportunity to speak to local officers about the role of the police, crime in your area, or any safety concerns. You can also submit reports, if needed. 

Organisation of the German police

Policing in Germany is the responsibility of the 16 federal states. This is a deliberate action due to Germany’s history. After the centralised National Socialist state misused police powers, the strict separation of powers has been enshrined in the German constitution since 1949.

The German police is organised into 16 different state police forces, along with a handful of federal police forces that prevent and investigate crime at a national level. 

State police forces

The majority of German police forces fall under the management of the 16 federal states. Each state has its own police force known as the state police (Landespolizei), and each state has its own laws to lay down the organisation and duties of its police forces. However, their activities are mostly standardised. 

Forces are organised by cities, towns or smaller communities. Most forces are divided into two different types of officers: 

• Protective police (Schutzpolizei/Schupo): Uniformed police officers who carry out routine investigations such as burglaries, traffic accidents, domestic violence and other offences, as well as maintaining security at events. 
• Criminal police (Kriminalpolizei/Kripo): Non-uniformed police officers who investigate serious crimes such as assault, rape and theft. 

All uniformed police officers in Germany wear a blue uniform, as a result of efforts to standardise police uniforms across Europe. However, uniforms do vary from state to state. 

Federal police (Bundespolizei)

The federal police are a national agency responsible for protecting Germany’s borders and government buildings, and policing its railways and airports. They are also involved in fighting organised crime and terrorism. They can also provide support to state police forces, if needed. 

Federal Criminal Police Office (Bundeskriminalamt/BKA)

The Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA for short) is Germany’s answer to the FBI and investigates counterfeiting, bank robbery, kidnapping and other serious crimes on a federal level. It conducts its own investigations or enters existing cases when state forces ask it to, or when a crime covers multiple states. 

Police powers in Germany

Police officers in Germany are given a range of powers to help them go about their duties, but they are not above the law. Here is an overview of what they are and are not allowed to go. 

Investigative powers

Police are allowed to ask for your ID, but they cannot search you or your home unless you are suspected of a specific crime. 

If you are driving a vehicle, police can ask for your ID, driving licence and vehicle registration document. They can ask you to pull over and exit the vehicle, and check whether you have a warning triangle and first-aid kit in your car. However, they may not search your vehicle or test your fitness to drive unless there is clear evidence of alcohol or drugs with you. 

A police officer is not allowed to take you to a police station without a reason. If they ask anyway, you can refuse. If you are questioned by the police you can refuse to answer. If you are questioned, make sure you contact a lawyer, as this is your legal right. 

You have the right to ask for a police officer’s ID card and write down their details. This is useful if you would like to file a complaint. 

Use of force and weapons

German police are usually issued with service weapons, batons and pepper spray. There are, however, strict guidelines governing the use of force by the police.

Making a complaint about the police

If you have a complaint about the police, for instance if you feel an officer treated you unfairly, you can file a complaint. You can do this via the Onlinewache website.