Overview
- The interior ministry says the pension wave has peaked and reports roughly 500 more officers on duty than in 2016, with a projected net gain of over 1,000 by 2026.
- All 818 qualified candidates for the higher service were accepted after training capacity was reallocated, while mid‑level intakes were cut to 436 following earlier rejections.
- Applications fell year over year, down 7.5% for the mid‑level to 2,573 and 2.6% for the higher service to 2,735, though more than four candidates still competed per higher‑service slot.
- FDP and SPD figures dispute the upbeat picture, arguing the headcount gain equates to far fewer full‑time equivalents and noting a decline in police density from one officer per 452 residents in 2016 to 459 in 2024.
- The police union cites about 3,000 unfilled posts and rising temporary absences and warns the staffing situation could worsen.