The Düsseldorf police confirmed that disciplinary and criminal proceedings are underway, along with a temporary freeze on the officer’s promotion. A spokesperson said the investigation was initiated after reports surfaced that the officer had spoken openly about using the transition for career advancement, reports German outlet Welt.
According to T-Online, the department stated that “the formerly male colleague had repeatedly and explicitly said to coworkers that he only wanted to change his gender entry in order to benefit from the department’s women’s promotion program.” The statement added that the officer allegedly said he would later reverse the change “to marry as a man.”
Police say the officer’s promotion ranking improved by 43 places after the gender marker was changed, potentially allowing a jump from pay grade A9 to A10 — a difference worth between 247 and 472 euros monthly, depending on experience. Without the promotion freeze, the officer would have likely been promoted by May 2025.
The officer's attorney, Christoph Arnold, rejected the accusations, saying his client’s transition was genuine and made “after careful consideration.” He said the comments about doing it for promotion were meant as “a lighthearted, ironic joke” to deflect personal questions.
Arnold argued that the department’s actions amount to discrimination, calling them “queer-hostile.” He noted that the Düsseldorf administrative court initially sided with his client, ruling that the promotion freeze was unlawful, but the police leadership imposed a new one regardless.
The police department, led by President Miriam Brauns, has denied any bias, saying similar gender changes have been accepted in the past without issue. Officials insist this case stands out because of the officer’s alleged statements about changing back after promotion.
