BERLIN, June 28 (Xinhua) -- Over 220 Berlin police officers were sent home from their deployment by the police leadership in Hamburg for misconduct.
The Berlin police released a statement on Tuesday saying: "Our Police President was informed that our police officers, deployed to support the G20 summit in Hamburg, have been released ahead of schedule."
The reason for the dismissal is an alleged misconduct during a break in their deployment in the closed accommodation facilities 70 kilometers north of Hamburg. The Berlin newspaper B.Z. reported the police officers have engaged in misconduct while partying excessively when off-duty.
The alleged misconduct includes public fornication between two police officers, improper handling of a firearm by a female police officer and urinating in public.
Berlin Police President Klaus Kandt regretted the inappropriate actions while defending his officers against overly harsh criticism.
The officers have celebrated two birthdays during their free time in a gated accommodation. As there were no common rooms, the police officers have moved chairs and tables outside.
"It is a fact that there was a celebration, too loud and people urinated against a fence. Everything else is open," Kandt told German television channel rbb Tuesday evening, announcing a full investigation of the incident.
Five hundred additional Berlin police officers will be sent to support the Hamburg police at the G20 summit next week.
A police officer involved in the incident voiced his criticism against the media coverage of the situation.
German newspaper Bild reported Wednesday: "Nothing was damaged. No one was injured. We did not insult or harass anyone. We were all fit for duty the next day," he told Bild.
Concerning the alleged public urination, the officer said that no member of the public, except the security personnel, was present at that time.
The Berlin police released a statement on Facebook on Wednesday, admitting to excessive partying and announcing a hearing of those involved, based on which the consequences will be decided, while warning against engaging in speculation.
The Berlin police will send a total of 1,000 officers to support the G20 summit in Hamburg on July 7 and 8. Over 15,000 police officers from Germany will be deployed in Hamburg.
