Call to Protect Unwed Families of Fallen Police Officers
Saarland Police Union (GdP) Demands Financial Support for Unmarried Families of Killed Police Officers
In the wake of the tragic killing of a police officer in Lauchhammer, Germany, the Saarland Police Union (GdP) is raising concerns about the lack of financial support for unmarried families of fallen officers.
"The recent killing of our colleague in Lauchhammer has shown in a dramatic way: we must better protect police families in such cases," said Andreas Rinnert, Chairman of the GdP, in a statement to the Deutsche Presse-Agentur (dpa).
Despite the devastating economic impact that the violent death of a police officer has on their entire family, the current regulations exclude unmarried partners from receiving widow’s or partner’s benefits, as well as one-time accident compensation.
In an open letter to Saarland’s Minister of the Interior, Reinhold Jost (SPD), Rinnert called for an end to this "objectively unjustified discrimination" in Saarland’s pension law. He urged the Minister to introduce a legislative initiative "to send a clear signal that the families of our colleagues killed in the line of duty will not be left alone, legally and financially, just because they were not married."
The GdP also requested that the Minister raise this issue at the Conference of Interior Ministers and advocate for a nationwide uniform regulation in favor of unmarried families.
The killing of a colleague from the Joint Investigation Group of the Saxon State Police and Federal Police in January 2023 "deeply shocked" the GdP in Saarland, Rinnert said. It also brought the issue of support for families of police officers killed in so-called "qualified service accidents" back to the forefront.
The slain officer was living with his unmarried partner and their children, with shared parenting and financial responsibilities. "This life model is likely also applicable to police officers in the Saarland State Police," the letter states.
In September 2023, Saarland significantly increased accident compensation and survivor benefits for police officers, moving the state from the bottom of the rankings to a respectable middle position, Rinnert said. "These adjustments were a good and important sign of appreciation for our dangerous and challenging profession," said the GdP Chairman. "But it cannot end there: we need to adapt our regulations to the realities of life!"
It is unacceptable that in comparable cases involving unmarried families, private donations must be collected to provide financial support to affected families. The employer, Rinnert argued, is responsible for providing support under their duty of care.
Interior Minister Reinhold Jost (SPD) responded to the dpa’s inquiry by stating: "The state has an obligation to its civil servants and their families. We will discuss the specific situation of families and dependents with the Ministry of Finance and make our contribution here."
Unfair Disparities and the Need for Comprehensive Support
The current regulations create an unjust disparity between married and unmarried police officers and their families. In the event of a tragedy, all families should be entitled to the same level of support and compensation, regardless of their marital status.
The lack of financial support for unmarried families can have severe consequences. It can lead to economic hardship, emotional distress, and practical challenges for the surviving family members.
It is essential that lawmakers and government officials recognize the unique needs of unmarried families of fallen police officers and address the glaring gaps in current regulations. By providing comprehensive support and protection, we can honor the sacrifices made by these officers and their families.
Call for a Nationwide Uniform Regulation
The GdP’s call for a nationwide uniform regulation is a crucial step towards ensuring fairness and equality for all police families. It is unacceptable that the level of support and compensation varies depending on the state in which an officer is killed.
A uniform regulation would guarantee that all families of fallen police officers receive the same benefits and support, regardless of where they live or their family structure. It would also reduce the financial burden on individual states and ensure that police officers and their families are treated with dignity and respect across the country.
Conclusion
The GdP’s demands are a powerful reminder that all police families deserve equal protection and support. The current regulations that discriminate against unmarried families are unjust and outdated. It is time for lawmakers to act and ensure that all families of fallen police officers are treated with the compassion and financial security they deserve.
