Union protests: Premium job applicants overlooked for police positions
In the state of Baden-Württemberg, Germany, a heated debate has arisen over the limited number of study places for police apprenticeships. The Ministry of the Interior in Stuttgart has confirmed that the state has provided sufficient capacity and teaching staff since the launch of an "employment offensive" in 2016. However, this has not alleviated the issue, with approximately 160 candidates who passed the selection test remaining unofficially unemployed.
The high number of applications for police apprenticeships, coupled with a limited number of study places, has led to many qualified candidates receiving rejections. Many applicants have made significant life changes, such as canceling jobs, apartments, and undergoing medical procedures, in anticipation of starting training in July.
Rejections came late due to the high number of applications and the completion of selection tests in May. The spokesperson did not mention any investments in training infrastructure and personnel, nor any retrospective hurdles or issues with reliable and transparent personnel planning.
The Police Trade Union (GdP) in Baden-Württemberg has criticized the exclusion of highly motivated applicants and demands fair and reliable selection procedures without retrospective hurdles. They claim that the rejections are due to a retrospectively raised selection limit.
The goal is to have 1,000 more police officers by next year, and currently, there are about 500 more police officers than in 2016. The applicant pool for the higher police service in 2023 is qualitatively and quantitatively very good, with 2,735 people applying for 600 planned places. Around another 150 have not yet submitted their complete documents such as medical records and background checks.
The GdP suggests potential solutions such as additional training and development programs for unsuccessful applicants, advocacy for increased funding to expand the number of available apprenticeship places, and counseling and feedback to help applicants identify areas for improvement. They also propose collaboration with educational institutions to create more apprenticeship opportunities or to develop alternative programs that prepare students for a career in law enforcement.
Without specific details on the Police Trade Union in Baden-Württemberg's approach, these general strategies might be considered as potential solutions to address the issue of limited study places. The spokesperson stated that hiring opportunities for July 2025 will be expanded as much as possible, and successful candidates could start their training in the middle police service in the fall and continue to develop or maintain their application for 2026.
The ongoing issue of a high number of applications for police apprenticeships in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, has led to heated discussions in politics and policy-and-legislation, as many qualified candidates are receiving rejections. The rejections, according to the Police Trade Union (GdP), are due to a retrospectively raised selection limit and have prompted the union to propose solutions such as advocacy for increased funding, additional training programs, and collaboration with educational institutions to create more apprenticeship opportunities or develop alternative career paths in law enforcement.
In light of the goal to have 1,000 more police officers by next year, the career prospects and general news surrounding the limited study places for police apprenticeships have become a significant concern for both applicants and the GdP, emphasizing the need for fair and reliable selection procedures.
