Dr Jonas Botta as expert witness on the subject of the Police Commissioner Act in the North-Rhine Westphalia State Parliament

Dr Jonas Botta, research associate at the NIPAG, gave evidence as an expert witness on the planned Police Commissioner Act (LT-Drs. 18/9606) in front of the Interior Committee of the State Parliament of North Rhine-Westphalia on 12 November 2024.

In his testimony, Dr Botta recommended in particular that the scope of the Commissioner's responsibilities be clarified and that the independence of the office be strengthened. He also advocated the establishment of an advisory board to provide a permanent forum to ensure that suggestions from the police, academia and civil society are incorporated into the commissioner's work. 'With its bill, the government majority is already moving in the right direction. However, it must go further to ensure effective protection of human rights and democracy', stated Dr Botta during the hearing.

His testimony is available online.