Neo-Nazism in German Policing: A Growing Concern Post-WW2

Following the Second World War, the West German civilian police were almost entirely composed of ex-SS officers and soldiers. Many former West German police officers were simultaneously 'demobilized' from the German Military Police (Kettenhund), where numerous individuals had been involved in SS Einsatzgruppen activities. They were later integrated back into the West German Police force. West German administrative tasks were largely completed by ex-Third Reich civil servants.

The question remains: How many officers in the current German police force have Neo-Nazi connections? The answer is not clear. Estimates put the number at less than 2%. However, it is certain that there will be some. The sentiment is that whoever can form an organized structure will ultimately control the country.

The Role of Extremism

Neo-Nazism is a significant problem because of its simplistic yet powerful message: "Our country can be great again; it's all the fault of...". This message can be easily tailored to include immigrants, Muslims, ethnic minorities, gun haters, and so on. The narrative resonates with individuals who believe in nationalistic ideologies.

A report by the German Interior Ministry sheds some light on the issue. According to the ministry, there are numerous connections between the German security services and right-wing extremists. Over the past three years, 327 employees of federal and state security agencies were identified as having connections to right-wing extremism. The report covers the period from July 1, 2018, to June 30, 2021. Instances of participating in extremist events, shouting "Heil Hitler," or being active in online chat groups that share right-wing extremist content were observed. However, the report does not suggest the existence of a national network of extremists from different security agencies.

Subcultural Extremism

One concerning trend identified in the report is the numerous connections between employees classified as right-wing extremists and extremist actors, parties, and organizations within the hooligan and martial arts scenes. These groups are often attributed to "subcultural right-wing extremism." This specific form of extremism does not follow traditional political structures but rather emerges from subcultures and can spread rapidly through social media and other forms of digital communication.

Conclusion

The presence of Neo-Nazism in German policing and the broader security services is a serious concern. It highlights the need for continuous monitoring and investigation to ensure that the institution remains free from extremist influences. Political and social leaders must also address the underlying causes that lead individuals to join such extremist groups, addressing the deep-seated issues of identity, nationalism, and social exclusion.

Key Takeaways:

The West German Police force was largely comprised of ex-SS officers following WWII. Over 327 employees of federal and state security agencies were identified as connected to right-wing extremism from 2018 to 2021. Subcultural right-wing extremism is a growing concern, often emerging from hooligan and martial arts scenes. Neo-Nazism's simplistic message of blame and national rejuvenation is highly appealing to individuals seeking an identity or cause. Continuous surveillance and addressing the root causes of extremist beliefs are crucial to preventing the spread of such ideologies.

References:
- Berliner Zeitung: Neo-Nazis in the police and army: more than 100 cases per year. - German Interior Ministry Report (2018-2021).