Cologne police chief to retire because of the Christmas riots – RBC

The Chief of Police of Cologne Wolfgang Albers

Photo: AP

Police Chief Cologne Wolfgang Albers prematurely pensioned after the German scandal of massive attacks on women in the city on New Year’s night.

According to the newspaper Bild, Interior Minister of North Rhine-Westphalia Ralf Jaeger Albers already informed about the authorities’ decision.

«This step is necessary to restore public confidence and capacity of the Cologne police,” – he said. Earlier media reported that the head of police in Cologne suspended from office.

Authorities in Cologne, especially the police, came under a barrage of critical reviews after law enforcement agencies have not been able to cope with the disorder and prevent looting, attacks on women and rape in Cologne on New Year’s night.