NRW's new police commissioner seeks retired officers to staff oversight office before October launch
Ursula Mecklenbrauck, the incoming police commissioner of North Rhine-Westphalia, is advertising for two part-time retired officers to handle citizen complaints and legal monitoring, citing quick availability and no strain on active forces.
Recruitment strategy
Ursula Mecklenbrauck, currently police president in Krefeld, will take up her new role as the state's independent police commissioner on 1 October 2026. Ahead of that date, a Landtag job posting seeks two retired police officers for part-time administrative positions. The advertisement lists tasks including processing submissions from citizens and police officers, fulfilling requests from the interior committee, and monitoring relevant legal developments.
The job posting is specifically aimed at retired civil servants because they are likely to be available at short notice. Moreover, this does not burden the active police personnel pool in the police authorities.
The spokesperson added that the commissioner's team may later be supplemented by active officers, for example through temporary transfers. Seven positions are budgeted for the office, though not all will be filled by police personnel.
Role and responsibilities
Once operational, the commissioner's office will serve as a direct point of contact for citizens and police employees who have complaints or questions about police conduct. The role is designed to provide independent oversight outside the chain of command.
Political background
The creation of a police commissioner was enshrined in the coalition agreement between the CDU and the Greens in North Rhine-Westphalia. Several other German states already have similar commissioners, and the Bundestag elected the first federal police commissioner in 2024.
