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Divergent Narratives: Understanding Racism and Discrimination in German Policing
Fri, September 5, 3:30 to 4:45pm, Communications Building (CN), CN 2105Abstract
Racism and discrimination in policing remain highly political and contentious issues in Germany. Public and academic debates are often polarised, as fundamental assumptions about policing, state violence, and racism vary significantly between different actors. While some emphasise structural and institutional dimensions of racism, others reject such claims, arguing instead that individual misconduct is the exception rather than the rule. These conflicting perspectives make it challenging to find common ground and complicate efforts to address racial discrimination in law enforcement practices.
This research builds on and extends the quantitative part of the RaDiPol research project (paper 1) by incorporating qualitative interviews to deepen the understanding of differing perspectives on racism in police contact. Based on approximately 50 qualitative interviews, the study explores how racism is described and understood, what references and examples are used, and where actors locate the problem. The data includes interviews with police officers and interviews with representatives of community and support organisations from various regions across Germany. By analysing these narratives, the study sheds light on the ways in which experiences and perceptions of racism in policing are shaped by institutional positions, professional roles, and lived experiences. Specifically, the study aims to enhance understanding of how police officers and those directly affected by their actions interpret the role of the police in German society and how they, respectively, do or do not problematise police work. By focusing on differences in understanding, the research highlights the contrasting ways in which actors interpret their worlds and articulate their perspectives on policing and racism.