State Office for the Protection of the Constitution of Bremen

The State Office for the Protection of the Constitution Bremen is the official group in the state of Bremen that works to keep the constitution safe. It makes sure that everyone follows the rules that protect people's rights and freedoms. Thorge Koehler has been leading this office since May 1, 2023. The office is watched over by the Senator for the Interior, who is in charge of the Department IV. This group helps keep Bremen a safe and fair place for everyone to live.

Legal basis

The State Office for the Protection of the Constitution of the Free Hanseatic City of Bremen and its employees follow important laws to keep everyone safe. These laws include the Federal Constitutional Protection Act (BremVerfSchG), the Bremen Security Screening Act (BremSÜG), the Anti-Terrorism File Act (ATDG), and the Article 10 Act (G 10). They work with other state authorities to protect the constitution. These laws make sure that people’s data is protected and that any checks on individuals are done fairly and only when allowed by law.

Duties

The State Office for the Protection of the Constitution in Bremen works to protect the democratic way of life and the safety of the government. It collects and checks information about groups that might try to harm democracy, such as right-wing extremism, left-wing extremism, foreign extremism, fundamentalism, and the Scientology organization. The office also works on counter-espionage to keep Bremen safe. It shares its findings in an annual report.

Control

The State Office for the Protection of the Constitution of the Free and Hanseatic City of Bremen is watched over by several groups to make sure it works properly. These include the Parliamentary Control Commission of the Bremen Parliament, the courts, and the Bremen Data Protection Commissioner. They help ensure that the office follows the rules and protects people's rights well.

Budget and personnel

In 2020, the Bremen Office for the Protection of the Constitution had 72 staff members and a budget of EUR 5.081 million. The year before, it had 70 staff members and a budget of EUR 4.710 million.

In 2018, the office had 65.5 staff members and a budget of EUR 4.438 million.

History

In October 1949, the Senate of the Free Hanseatic City of Bremen decided to create an office to protect the constitution. By 1954, this office had 24 employees. The first leader was Heinz Klemmer, a police officer. His deputy, Hans Meisner, was an expert in intelligence and later joined the Military Counterintelligence Service to help start a school for intelligence.