Court Rejects Police Union's Complaint

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2025 December 19 . 2:21 PM

1 min read

In front of the picture, we see a white car on which "Police" is written. Behind that, there are... — In front of the picture, we see a white car on which "Police" is written. Behind that, there are many cars moving on the road. On either side of the road, we see grass and trees. This picture is clicked outside the city.

Court Rejects Police Union's Complaint - Court Rejects Police Union's Complaint

North Rhine-Westphalia now has an independent police ombudsman after a new law came into force on 23 April 2025. The move follows a state parliament vote in March and a failed legal challenge by the German Police Union (DPolG).

The state parliament approved the creation of an independent police oversight officer in March 2025. This new role operates under legislative authority, designed to improve accountability within the police force.

The Deutsche Polizeigewerkschaft im dbb (DPolG NRW) initially supported the idea but later filed a constitutional complaint. The union objected to provisions allowing the ombudsman to investigate cases independently—either after criminal proceedings or alongside them. In response, North Rhine-Westphalia’s Constitutional Court dismissed the complaint. The judges ruled that the union lacked legal standing, as it was not directly affected by the law. The decision also prevents the union from appealing the case further.

The law officially took effect on 23 April 2025, establishing the ombudsman as a permanent oversight body. The role aims to ensure transparency in police conduct, with investigations now possible outside standard criminal procedures. The court’s ruling confirms the legislation will proceed without further legal obstacles.