Imagine the weight of responsibility. It settles on the shoulders of those within the Landespolizeidirektion. This is not just another police station. It is a central hub for Berlin’s law enforcement. The Landespolizeidirektion plays a crucial role in maintaining order in this bustling city.
The Berlin Police. It was formerly known as Der Polizeipräsident in Berlin. The name changed in April 2021. Now it is gender-neutral Polizei Berlin. This change reflects the evolving nature of the force. It mirrors the city it serves.
The Landespolizeidirektion is part of a larger organization. The Berlin Police is divided into four main directorates. These are the Berlin Police Directorate and the Criminal Investigation Department. There is also the Police Academy and the Central Services Directorate.
The Berlin Police Directorate is further divided. It includes five local directorates. Also it has a Division Operations/Traffic Management and a Division Central Special Services. Each local directorate oversees specific Berlin districts. The Landespolizeidirektion oversees all of the local branches.
The Criminal Investigation Department investigates serious crimes. These include crimes against the constitution and organized crime. Also it investigates youth gangs and politically motivated crimes. The Criminal Investigation Department works with the local directorates.
The Police Academy provides general education and training. It prepares new officers for their duties. The Central Services Directorate handles administrative and logistical support. This includes financial services and human resources.
The Landespolizeidirektion has a rich history. The Royal Prussian Police of Berlin was founded in 1809. Justus Gruner was its first chief. Over the years, the police force has undergone many changes. These changes reflect shifts in German society.
In March 1848, Berlin was a site of revolution. At that time, the police force was small. It had limited authority. King Frederick William IV founded the Königliche Schutzmannschaft zu Berlin in June 1848. This was the first modern police force in Germany.
After World War I, the police fell under the control of Emil Eichhorn. He was a far-left politician. Later, the government replaced him with Eugen Ernst. This led to the Spartacist uprising of 1919.
During the Weimar Republic, the Berlin Police often suppressed far-left groups. But sometimes the police were more willing to suppress far-left paramilitary groups than right-wing ones. In 1929, the Berlin Police suppressed a Communist demonstration. About 30 civilians died.
In 1933, Adolf Hitler rose to power. Political dissidents and Jews were dismissed from the police service. The Berlin political police were merged into the Gestapo. The Nazi regime praised the police in propaganda to gain their support.
In 1936, the Berlin police force was dissolved. It was absorbed into the Ordnungspolizei. Heinrich Himmler commanded this organization. After the passage of Nuremberg Laws, the Berlin Orpo helped segregate Jews. They also assisted the SA in the Kristallnacht pogrom.
After World War II, Berlin was divided. The Soviet Union took control of the East Berlin Police. Police brutality led to the partition of the city. After reunification in 1990, the West and East Berlin police forces merged. Georg Schertz led the merged force.
Today, the Berlin Police is a large organization. It has over 27,000 employees. This includes police officers and administrative staff. The Landespolizeidirektion coordinates much of this activity. Its annual budget is almost two billion euros.
The Landespolizeidirektion stands as a symbol of law and order. It represents Berlin’s commitment to safety and security. From its historical roots to its modern structure. The Landespolizeidirektion continues to evolve. It adapts to the changing needs of the city.