Becoming a law enforcement officer in Germany will now be easier
As reported by "Russkaya Germaniya", faced with an acute shortage of workers, the German federal police was forced to lower requirements for recruits. In particular, requirements for physical fitness and language proficiency were changed.
Part of the German language exam is a dictation consisting of 180 words. Now it will be easier for those wishing to join the ranks of law enforcement to pass the test. For recruits wishing to enter the "middle level" service, authorities increased the permissible number of errors in the dictation.
After training, middle-level police recruits can provide security at demonstrations, patrol airports and train stations, and conduct customs checks at Germany's borders.
As authorities noted, this change in the assessment of language skills of examinees was made "to allow more candidates to continue participating in subsequent parts of the exam." Authorities also emphasized that by lowering language standards for the federal police exam, they hope to attract citizens of other EU countries to service.
In addition to simplifying the language exam, the physical fitness testing part was also simplified: standards were somewhat reduced, and the height requirement for applicants was completely abolished.
Authorities emphasize the extreme necessity and forced nature of such "indulgences." The deputy head of the GdP police union also stressed that authorities must "adapt to social changes."
Recall that the problem of staff shortages in the German Federal Police has remained acute for several years in a row. Currently, the department lacks 2,150 police officers for full staffing. In addition, it is planned that about 853 police officers will also retire during 2020.