Shortage of New Recruits in Berlin Police Force Raises Concerns

The Berlin Police face a significant challenge in attracting new recruits, according to a recent statement from the Police Union. As the new training year begins on September 1, only 250 candidates are expected to start their careers, despite 312 available positions.

Thorsten Schleheider, the Deputy Chairman of the Police Union in Berlin, emphasized the urgent need to enhance the appeal of a career in the police force. He warned that if the situation does not improve, the police may struggle to fill vital positions. A concerning trend has emerged where many potential recruits withdraw their applications at the last minute, with some candidates exploring multiple career options outside the capital.

To address these recruitment issues, Schleheider suggested several strategies, including increasing the availability of housing for trainees and launching a comprehensive digitalization initiative. He also highlighted the necessity for the police to focus on their core responsibilities, as a decrease in personnel could hinder their ability to fulfill diverse roles effectively.

In recent recruitment cycles, the numbers have not been promising. In spring 2025, only 237 of the 312 trainee positions were filled, and among 300 available spots for police studies, just 199 were taken. The previous year saw a similar pattern, with only 590 trainees recruited out of 646 available positions and 546 students starting out of 600 available slots.

Another alarming factor is the dropout rate during training and education, which has ranged from 11% to 24% in recent years. This trend further complicates the police force's ability to maintain adequate staffing levels. Currently, the Berlin Police employ approximately 27,000 individuals, with around 19,000 serving as operational officers.