For decades, the “Police Show” in Hamburg was a beloved tradition, fostering trust and connection between the police and the public. However, after 50 years at the Alsterdorf sports hall, the police management made the decision to discontinue the event in 2024.

The roots of the “Police Show” extend far beyond the Alsterdorf sports hall, inaugurated in 1969. Its origins trace back over a century to 1920 with the founding of the sports association of the Hamburg police (SVP) and their public display competitions.

As early as 1925, the sports festivals organized by the police and SVP, featuring entertainment and music, drew large crowds to various locations, including Rothenbaum, Sternschanze, and Planten un Blomen. These events evolved into the “sports show of the police” by 1950.

In 1960, Jürgen roland hosted a three-hour show at the Volksparkstadion, attracting 60,000 spectators. The event programs provided insights into the police force and its history, with contributions from prominent figures like Helmut Schmidt, then serving as interior senator.

A Legacy of Trust and Connection

“Our police need trust.People are in the uniforms. Maybe her daughter or son.”

The inaugural “indoor sports show of the police” took place in the Alsterdorf sports hall in 1969, drawing 7,000 attendees. By 1971, the number of shows had doubled to four annually. The program gained international appeal while maintaining a personal touch.

Alongside “police classics” like police orchestras,motorcycle displays,and humorous acts,the show featured top performers from around the world. Musical groups from Canada,the USA,France,Russia,Scandinavia,Italy,and oman participated,along with local Hamburg schools and community groups.

The “Police Show” provided a platform for direct interaction with the police, showcasing their work and personnel from various departments. According to Jürgen Roland, speakers like Jo Brauner, Gerd Spiekermann, Marek Ehrhardt, and Anke harnack from the NDR also contributed to the event’s success. The show aimed to convey the message that the police deserve trust and are composed of ordinary people.

A strong partnership developed with the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo in Halifax starting in 1989. In 1991, the Hamburg EV police association took over the support of the indoor sports show from the SVP. The event was renamed “Police Show” in 1992 and became a founding member of the “International Association of Tattoo Organizers (IATO)” in 1996.

In 2014,the “Police Show” commemorated significant milestones,including 200 years of Hamburg,50 years of the “flying grandpas” act,and 25 years of friendship between the shows in Halifax and Hamburg with the Canadian RCMP.

A stone carving from the Inuit people of the North west Territories, gifted by the Canadians, stands at the entrance of the Hamburg police museum, symbolizing the friendship with canada and connections to other nations.

The events planned for 2020 and 2021 were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.In 2024,the police leadership decided to discontinue the “Police Show.”