Jürgen Dekker's 40-year policing legacy reshapes Münster's crime-fighting approach
Münster — Jürgen Dekker, Deputy Police President and head of the Criminal Investigation Directorate at Münster Police, was formally retired on Friday, March 27, after more than 40 years of service. "With Jürgen Dekker, North Rhine-Westphalia's criminal police force is losing a seasoned detective and incident commander—someone with outstanding expertise, immense dedication, and a deep passion for his work," said Police President Alexandra Dorndorf in her farewell speech. "As director of the Criminal Investigation Directorate and as my deputy, I could always rely on Jürgen Dekker. Over the years, he was a trusted advisor on countless issues and an invaluable supporter."
In a ceremonial send-off, Dekker was honored in the presence of his family, numerous colleagues and friends, and representatives from municipal society and the judiciary. The event was an emotional one, featuring a deeply personal tribute from Police President Dorndorf and a video message of gratitude from Interior Minister Herbert Reul. Former Lord Mayor Markus Lewe also attended—despite it being his own birthday—to personally thank Dekker for their years of trusting collaboration. The official presentation of his retirement certificate was carried out by State Criminal Director Peter Mosch.
Visibly moved, Dekker reflected positively on his time at Münster Police Headquarters. "We accomplished a great deal during my tenure as 'head of the criminal police,'" he said. "Teamwork is at the heart of Münster Police. Together, across directorates, we achieved many goals." Dekker praised the excellent cooperation among Münster's security institutions, particularly between the public prosecutor's office, the city, and the police. "This isn't something to be taken for granted," he emphasized. "Together, we've made significant progress: The Youth Justice Center has advanced our fight against juvenile crime through coordinated efforts. The Periskop project focuses on early identification of individuals with mental health issues who may pose a risk of committing serious offenses. Here, too, we work closely with all responsible parties. These are key elements of our security framework that make a major contribution to public safety." Dekker once again expressed his gratitude to his entire Criminal Investigation Directorate team. "It's always been a fantastic collaboration. I won't forget you."
"We are losing a highly skilled police expert with immense competence and experience," said Dorndorf. "Alongside his team, he restructured the Criminal Investigation Directorate, strengthened our Cybercrime Inspection with additional personnel, established a Cybercrime Congress bridging police and industry, and—through meticulous work—pushed our clearance rate to a historic high. He has made an invaluable contribution to the success of Münster Police, and for that, I thank him from the bottom of my heart. Dear Jürgen, one principle has always defined you: 'What can I personally do to ensure Münster Police succeeds?' With this mindset, you have profoundly shaped our culture of collaboration. That spirit will endure. I thank you for your trust and openness, and I wish you all the very best in retirement. You will be greatly missed."
Jürgen Dekker has served as head of Münster's criminal police (Kriminalpolizei) since July 2021. Since April 2024, he has also acted as the permanent deputy to Police President Alexandra Dorndorf, representing her in all internal and external matters.
Dekker began his police career in Bochum in 1985, completing his training before serving with the riot police unit (Einsatzhundertschaft) there and later in patrol duties in Cologne. From 1990 to 1993, he earned his degree at a university of applied sciences. A seasoned expert and widely respected figure in North Rhine-Westphalia's criminal police (Kripo NRW), he gained extensive experience across various investigative units in Recklinghausen by 2000, handling cases ranging from vehicle and drug offenses to corruption, burglary, robbery, and organized crime.
In 2002, Dekker advanced from mid-level to senior service, completing his studies at what is now the German Police University (Deutsche Hochschule der Polizei). His senior career began as head of the Criminal Investigation Directorate in Warendorf, followed by roles as an organizational consultant at the State Office for Training, Professional Development, and Personnel Affairs (LAFP), as head of criminal investigation divisions in Recklinghausen and Duisburg, and as department head for criminal police training at the LAFP.
Over his career, Dekker has overseen more than 400 homicide investigations and played a key role in high-profile cases, including the Lügde child abuse scandal. He also led the Ermittlungskommission Rose (Rose Investigation Commission), which continued under his direction.
For over two decades, the senior criminal director (Leitender Kriminaldirektor) has shared his expertise as a lecturer with police students at the University of Police and Public Administration in Gelsenkirchen and Münster. During his tenure in Recklinghausen, he was awarded the State Prize for Internal Security for his work on an anti-violence initiative.
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