Suche
Mein Konto
Change of leadership at the Rostock police: farewell and new challenges!
On July 14, 2025, new police leaders were introduced in Rostock. Achim Segebarth now heads the criminal investigation department, while Carsten Hofmann takes over the police department.
Change of leadership at the Rostock police: farewell and new challenges!
July 14, 2025 was a day full of changes for police work in Rostock. Achim Segebarth and Peter Balschmiter were farewelled in a celebratory ceremony and their successors were introduced. While Balschmiter is retiring after almost 45 years of service, Segebarth is taking over the management of the Rostock Criminal Police Inspectorate (KPI) after a successful time at the helm of the Rostock Police Inspectorate (PI). This handover was accompanied by Interior State Secretary Wolfgang Schmülling, who thanked both managers for their commitment and experience.
Carl Hofmann will be the new head of PI Rostock from August 2025. The police director brings with him valuable experience as head of the Güstrow police station and is looking forward to his move. He is familiar with the challenges in Rostock: it's not just about security at major events and football games, but also about the specific crime-related issues in the region.
A look back at the terms of office
Achim Segebarth looks back on a fulfilling and challenging time. He has directed the fortunes of PI Rostock since 2019 and names the corona pandemic, numerous demonstrations and the war in Ukraine as some of the most significant challenges during his term in office. “Collaboration with various offices and institutions was crucial,” says Segebarth. His successor, Hofmann, will now approach this task with a breath of fresh air.
Peter Balschmiter also has an impressive career behind him. His investigative successes, including in series of fires, will probably leave a lasting impression in Rostock's police history. His mission on Unity Day in Berlin is particularly memorable. In retirement, Balschmiter plans to seek out an article in which he was interviewed as a young police officer, a nostalgic endeavor that will appeal to many generations of police officers.
The role of the police in the social context
The changes in police leadership are no coincidence. Germany's federal police system, consisting of the federal police and various state police forces, ensures that the country's security architecture remains agile. With around 250,000 police officers who keep an eye on structure and repression, the police are an essential part of internal security. Local complexities, such as those at major events, require deep understanding and experience, which both new leaders bring. However, the crime situation differs greatly between urban and rural areas, an aspect that Hofmann and Segebarth will need to address in the coming years.
Managers in Rostock are called upon to find the balance between repression and prevention, especially with regard to increasing digitalization and the change in our society's concept of security. With their know-how and assertiveness, Schmülling believes they will be up to the challenges. Protection at football games, dealing with demonstrations and the entire area of urban tourism already represent exciting but important tasks.
Overall, the Rostock police are in a good position under new management to meet the challenges of the future and continue to ensure the safety of citizens.
For further information and background information on the personnel changes in the Rostock police, visit the following links: Northern Courier, Government MV, bpb.de.