Hamburg police chief Falk Schnabel before moving to North Rhine-Westphalia

There is a change in leadership at the Hamburg police top: Police Chief Falk Schnabel wants to return to North Rhine-Westphalia for personal reasons, as the interior authority announced. As a result, he wants to take over the management of the newly established department for security, order and law in Cologne. According to the information, a decision on the personnel will be made in a week.

“If he is elected, which will take place on October 8, 2026, his move will take place in the spring of next year,” the statement says. Until then, Schnabel will continue to carry out his duties as Hamburg police chief in full.

The 57-year-old took over the position in the Hanseatic city almost three years ago. Previously he was police chief in Cologne.

“Falk Schnabel has led the Hamburg police excellently over the past three years, provided innovative impulses for their further development and set important course for strengthening internal security in Hamburg, from which we will benefit for a long time,” said Interior Senator Andy Grote. He respects his decision, “which I know was not easy for him.”

Schnabel said he looks back with pride on “what we have achieved and built together with Senator Grote over the past three years.” "My desire to return to North Rhine-Westphalia and the associated change in area of ​​responsibility are based on family reasons that I cannot ignore despite my deep ties to this city and the police."