Schutzpolizei

The Schutzpolizei (German pronunciation: [ˌʃʊt͡spoliˈt͡saɪ] ⓘ), or Schupo (IPA: [ˈʃuːpo] ⓘ) for short, is a uniform-wearing branch of the Landespolizei, the state (Land) level police of the states of Germany.

On patrol duty, mainly in vehicles, they keep their respective area under surveillance.

As in most other countries, the uniformed police in Germany are usually the first to arrive at the scene of an incident, whether it is a crime or an accident.

They also take the initial action (Erster Angriff), even if the case is later handed over to investigators of the Kriminalpolizei (Criminal Investigation Police).

Schutzpolizei officers are also responsible for promoting public safety, crime prevention, criminal prosecution and traffic control.