72 Berlin police officers want to move to other German states

Increase in transfer applications

Berlin police have recorded a significant increase in the number of officers seeking to change their place of service. According to personnel situation report data, 72 law enforcement officers have submitted official applications or made inquiries regarding transfers to other federal states in Germany.

Baden-Württemberg has become the main destination for relocation: 58 police officers expressed their intention to change their place of work to this state. Another 10 officers are considering moving to Bavaria, three to Thuringia, and one employee plans to serve in Bremen.

For comparison, in 2024, 36 police officers transferred from Berlin to other states, while in 2025 this figure was 22. Thus, the number of those willing to change their place of service has increased compared to previous years.

Political context and officials' reaction

Concern among law enforcement officers is linked to the victory of the Left Party in the elections in the capital. Employees fear that the new city leadership may reduce police powers and lower the level of political support for the department.

The Left Party's programme provides for reducing budgetary spending on law enforcement agencies and reviewing their powers. The political force advocates transferring some police functions to social services. In addition, the Left Party does not support the idea of further expanding zones where carrying weapons and other items is prohibited, nor the introduction of additional police control measures.

Manuel Hagel, the Minister of the Interior of Baden-Württemberg, who represents the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), publicly called on Berlin police officers to move to the south-west of Germany.

Union warning

The Berlin Police Union expresses serious concern about the consequences of such personnel outflow. Organisation representative Benjamin Jendro stated that if the current rate of staff outflow is maintained, the city may lack police officers to staff an entire precinct within two years.

These fears are justified by the fact that the implementation of the Left Party's proposals could significantly affect working conditions and personnel stability in Berlin's law enforcement agencies.