Police Work Conditions Under Scrutiny; Good Cop/Bad Cop Discusses Deterrent Effect of Heavy Workloads on Potential Young Officers
In a recent report, the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) has highlighted a desire among police officers for a significant reduction in their weekly working hours. The report, however, does not specify the occupation of the employees in question or any industry or sector where this desire for reduced working hours is prevalent.
According to the DGB, police officers working 40 to 48 weekly hours are seeking a reduction of approximately 7 hours in their weekly working time. This is not unique to full-time employees, as those working 35 to 40 weekly hours have also expressed a desire for a reduction of 4 hours.
The report does not mention any impact this reduction in working hours might have on productivity or service delivery, work-life balance, or the economy as a whole. Neither does it mention any response or reaction from the federal government regarding this desire for reduced working hours.
Jochen Kopelke, the GdP federal chairman, has echoed these concerns, expressing particular worry about the increasing strain on police forces in Berlin. He criticizes the current conditions under which police officers work, stating that they are often scandalous and endanger their health. Kopelke also points out that unconstitutional pay for police officers is a problem in Germany.
Kopelke further comments that fewer and fewer young, qualified people want to join the police due to these conditions. He calls for clear signals and measures from the federal government to prevent the police from ending up on the losing track.
The Bund der Polizei, the German Police Union, has joined Kopelke's call, demanding improved health protection for police officers, better working conditions, and significantly higher pay to address the current underpayment and health burdens faced by police in Germany. They also call for more staffing, modern equipment, and structural reforms to reduce stress and overtime pressures.
Moreover, Kopelke notes that the military is also about to enter the competition for good young talent, further emphasizing the need for action to improve conditions for police officers. Millions of overtime hours significantly reduce the leisure time of police officers, and with fewer young, qualified individuals willing to join the force, it is crucial to address these issues to secure the future of the German police.
