Dirk Lichtenberger has assumed the position of President of the Landeskriminalamt (LKA) in Saxony, replacing Sonja Penzel, who became the police inspector of this federal state. The change in leadership of the criminal investigation department took place on February 1. Lichtenberger, after three weeks in office, declares that "this responsible role gives him great pleasure."

Change in LKA Presidency

Dirk Lichtenberger took over the duties of president of the Saxon Landeskriminalamt on February 1, replacing Sonja Penzel in this position.

New Role for the Predecessor

Sonja Penzel, the former head of the LKA, assumed the position of Police Inspector of Saxony, which is a promotion within the state's security structures.

Declarations of the New Chief

Lichtenberger admitted that after the first weeks of work, the new role suits him and he looks with impatience towards future professional challenges.

A change has been made to a key leadership position within the criminal police structures in Saxony. Dirk Lichtenberger has become the new president of the Landeskriminalamt (LKA) of this federal state. He assumed this function on February 1, taking over the position from Sonja Penzel. The Landeskriminalamt in Saxony, like its counterparts in other German states, was established after World War II as part of rebuilding police structures in the western occupation zones, and later in West Germany. Their task was to centralize the fight against crime that exceeded the jurisdiction of local police stations. After German reunification in 1990, these structures were also implemented in the new states, including Saxony. Sonja Penzel, who previously headed the LKA, received a new, also high-ranking function – she became the Police Inspector of Saxony. The new LKA president, Dirk Lichtenberger, referred to his beginnings in the position. „Nach drei Wochen im Amt kann ich schon sagen, dass mir diese verantwortungsvolle Aufgabe sehr viel Spaß macht und ich mit Spannung auf die zukünftigen Herausforderungen schaue” (After three weeks in office, I can already say that this responsible task gives me a lot of pleasure and I look forward to the future challenges with anticipation) — Dirk Lichtenberger – he announced. His statement suggests a positive attitude towards the new duties, although no details regarding priorities or planned changes in the office's operations have been disclosed. Information about this personnel change was made public by several German editorial offices, including ZEIT ONLINE, stern.de, and N-tv, indicating its standard, administrative nature. Such rotations in the positions of heads of state criminal police offices are part of the normal functioning of the German police system and usually are not associated with major controversies or political changes.

Mentioned People

  • Dirk Lichtenberger — New President of the Landeskriminalamt (LKA) in Saxony
  • Sonja Penzel — Former President of the LKA Saxony, now Police Inspector of Saxony