Violence against German police officers ups 8% in 2023

Germany saw a significant rise in violence against police officers in 2023, a report said on Monday, said dpa.

The Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) said the latest annual figures show an 8% rise in physical attacks.

In total, the Wiesbaden-based agency said 46,200 cases of violence were recorded, with more than 105,000 officers affected.

"Since 2017, the number of cases in this area has been rising continuously," the report stated.

Cases of dangerous and serious bodily harm fell by 13% to 1,260.

Police officers were not the only emergency services to be attacked. Firefighters and ambulance crews were involved in more than 2,500 incidents of violence, the report said.

"It is frightening to see the hatred and violence that emergency services have to deal with," said Interior Minister Nancy Faeser.

"These crimes cannot be justified and must have harsh criminal consequences," she added.

Alexander Poitz from the national police union said unprovoked attacks have risen markedly.

"We are not lightning rods for social frustration and political anger," he said, calling for public prosecutors to swiftly crack down on perpetrators.

The report also found an increase in calls for violence against police officers on social media, warning that online incitement can lead to real-life attacks.