Interviews with witnesses by MEPs aim to be concluded by July's close
The Committee of Inquiry on Police Affairs in the State Parliament of Baden-Württemberg, known as the "IdP & Promotion Practice", is making headlines as it continues its work. The committee, which was established to investigate various allegations against high-ranking police officials, has been ongoing for nearly three years.
Landespolizeipräsidentin Stefanie Hinz has been summoned multiple times and has answered questions that arose during the almost 40 sessions. Hinz faces heavy accusations from former inspector of the police Andreas Renner, who alleges that she acted "without involving criminal expertise".
The committee's work was initially triggered by the forwarding of a lawyer's letter in disciplinary proceedings by Minister of the Interior Thomas Strobl to a journalist. Strobl, who is a member of the CDU, is scheduled to reappear during the June session of the committee of inquiry.
Renner, who was suspended after allegations of sexual harassment became known in November 2021, has since been acquitted of the charge of sexual harassment. However, disciplinary proceedings and a procedure for the suspicion of bribery are still ongoing. Renner's accusations against Hinz have been a significant focus of the committee's investigation.
Investigative Commissioner Barbara Hönes is also being questioned within the committee of inquiry. The committee is aiming to complete all witness hearings by the summer break.
Martin Schatz, a member of the committee, has emphasised the importance of trust within the committee. He stated, "It is crucial that we maintain a high level of trust and transparency throughout the proceedings to ensure a fair and thorough investigation."
The committee's work has been considered worth the effort, with Schatz expressing his belief that the committee's findings will contribute to improving the police force in Baden-Württemberg.
The exact roles of members in the committee of inquiry, including that of Brigitte Johanna Henkel-Waidhofer, are not explicitly mentioned in the available information. However, standard parliamentary or governmental inquiry practices typically involve members questioning witnesses, analysing evidence, and making recommendations for future action.
A personal conversation of a female official is alleged to have ended with a sexual assault, although further details about this incident are not currently available.
Minister Strobl had the public prosecutor's office investigate for weeks against unknown persons before making it public that he was responsible for the matter. The committee's investigation is ongoing, with the public eagerly awaiting its findings.
- The investigation of the IdP & Promotion Practice, a Committee of Inquiry on Police Affairs, has extended into the realms of politics, general news, and crime and justice as they delve deeper into allegations against high-ranking police officials regarding war-and-conflicts, policy-and-legislation, and potential misconduct.
- The committee's work has not been limited to police officials, as investigative commissioner Barbara Hönes is also being questioned, with the aim of completing all witness hearings by the summer break.
- As the committee perseveres in its inquiry, members like Martin Schatz underscore the significance of their work, believing that their findings will contribute to amending policy and legislation in the police force of Baden-Württemberg, thereby fostering transparency and trust in the public eye.
