Five police officers suspended in Hanover – allegations of assault in office
Two officers allegedly used excessive force during a search in April 2025. Three others are suspected of perverting the course of justice.
Police scandal in Lower Saxony: investigations into officers of Hanover police directorate
Five police officers from Hanover Police Directorate were provisionally suspended from duty on Monday. According to BILD, they are accused of assault in office – the focus is on a house search from April 2025.
Two of the affected officers are said to have used excessive physical force during the operation. The arrested person was injured in the process. The Hanover Public Prosecutor's Office has since initiated an investigation.
Three further police officers are under initial suspicion of perverting the course of justice in office. They are suspected of having known about the alleged incident but failing to report it. Investigations are also underway against them.
"The investigations are still in their early stages," the Hanover Public Prosecutor's Office stated. Reports to the internal complaints office set the case in motion. In the course of the investigation, the authorities identified what are reportedly possible further criminal offences.
In addition to the five suspensions, disciplinary proceedings are underway against two further officers for breaches of service regulations. These officers have been transferred to other departments of the police directorate.
Police President Gwendolin von der Osten commented on the incidents: "The allegations affect us as a police force and damage the trust that people rightly place in us." Von der Osten added that should the allegations be confirmed, this would be "not only a possible violation of applicable law, but also of the values and standards of the police."
Source: BILD