Police Perspectives on Germany’s Migrant Crisis

When cameras stop rolling, police officers in Germany reveal a stark reality about the country’s shifting landscape, stating, “the Germany we know is disappearing.” A German investigative journalist emphasized the importance of listening to law enforcement’s insights and experiences. In a report for the German publication die welt, Liv von Betticher shared that she interviewed police officers from various sectors, ages, and federal states.

According to her, once formal interviews concluded, a raw and unfiltered description of Germany emerged. The officers opened up about their fears, anger, and feelings of being let down by both politics and society. They spoke candidly about the chaos and challenges posed by current immigration policies. It appears many officers believe significant issues exist that they’re struggling to communicate effectively, both to the public and on camera.

Von Boetticher noted a prevailing sentiment among the officers: many believe that the situation is deteriorating. One officer expressed a particularly bleak outlook, stating, “Germany as we know it is disappearing.” There were also comments about a rise in serious crimes, with some officers remarking that even the gravest offenses often lead to minimal consequences, allowing many perpetrators to evade justice.

In her conversations specifically within Berlin, von Boetticher described the city as a “hotspot” of unrest, with issues proliferating more rapidly compared to other areas. Some police officers shared an even darker sentiment, saying things like, “This country is already lost” or “This country is over.” However, there remains some hope, as she mentioned the potential for change—though it would need to happen swiftly.

This concerning perspective from German police comes after ongoing efforts to cleanse the forces of individuals holding anti-immigration views or affiliations with right-wing populist groups, such as the Alternative for Germany (AfD). Despite these initiatives, a senior officer remarked in 2025 that backing the AfD is “incompatible” with police work. There are also attempts by German states to bar AfD members from obtaining government positions.