Berlin Police struggle to fill training positions due to language requirements

The Berlin Police are facing significant difficulties in filling training positions, with approximately one-quarter of available spots remaining vacant last year. Out of 1,224 training positions, only 936 were filled.

Police President Barbara Slowik Meisel stated that while there is a high volume of applicants, many fail to meet the necessary requirements. A primary obstacle is the mandatory computer-based selection test, specifically the German language component. Approximately 40 percent of applicants fail due to insufficient proficiency in grammar, spelling, and dictation.

Slowik Meisel emphasized that lowering these standards is not an option, as strong communication skills are essential for explaining police measures to citizens and documenting incidents accurately. The department is utilizing social media to increase outreach, but the emphasis remains on finding 'suitable' candidates rather than simply increasing numbers.