Lower Saxony’s police force struggles with shortages and outdated tech
Law enforcement agencies in Lower Saxony face mounting challenges as staffing shortages and outdated infrastructure put pressure on operations. Patrick Seegers, the state chairman of the German Police Union (DPolG), has cautioned that current funding and recruitment levels are not keeping pace with rising demands. Without long-term financial commitments, the gap between required and available officers is set to widen further.
The DPolG has highlighted a persistent issue: more experienced officers are retiring than new recruits joining. Despite some additional vacancies and support roles in administration and IT, these measures are not enough to counter the upcoming wave of departures. Seegers stressed that society’s expectations of policing have changed, requiring far more personnel than in previous decades just to maintain existing services.
While investments in police infrastructure have been welcomed, many stations remain technologically outdated or even in poor physical condition. The union argues that these conditions harm employee morale, health, and efficiency. A lack of progress on police allowances in the 2026 budget has also raised concerns, as stagnant pay could deter potential recruits. The DPolG insists that sustainable funding is essential—not just one-off investments. They warn that half-measures in digital transformation will prove costlier over time, while proper upfront investment would modernise operations. Seegers made it clear that lasting security depends on political decisions that ensure enough well-equipped officers are available for the public.
The union’s report reveals no clear candidate advocating for permanent police financing in Lower Saxony. Without a shift in policy, the force risks falling further behind in staffing, technology, and infrastructure. The DPolG’s call for reliable, long-term funding aims to address these gaps before they worsen.
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