In the case of the five police officers who are being investigated in a chat for evading punishment in office and betraying official secrets in connection with right-wing extremist statements, the management structure of the Frankfurt police force is increasingly coming under criticism. Interior Minister Peter Beuth (CDU) said that the results of the searches must first be carefully evaluated. “Should the suspicion be confirmed that executives have tried to cover up possible crimes, such blatant misconduct would also result in clear disciplinary consequences.” Police officers must act in an exemplary manner based on the rule of law. “Within the organization, superiors have a special role model role. The Hessian police will deal with violations consistently and decisively.”
In the meantime, the allegations against the suspected middle management officials became more concrete on Monday. At least three superiors are said to have worked towards making the investigation into controversial statements in a chat group more difficult, if not to prevent it altogether. They are said to have warned the official who is being investigated on suspicion of using license plates belonging to anti-constitutional organizations and informed him of the proceedings against him. It must now be clarified whether corresponding warnings have also been given to other officials in the commissariat, for example with regard to deleting mobile phone data, which could also be criminally relevant.
