The Camp Inspectorate

In late 1934, SS leader Heinrich Himmler established a new agency to supervise the concentration camps, independent from the Gestapo. Three years later, the Camp Inspectorate could already count almost 50 members of staff. Working in departments for political, personnel, administrative and medical matters, they kept in constant contact with SS officials inside the camps. In 1938, the Camp Inspectorate moved to a new building in Oranienburg (outside Berlin), next to Sachsenhausen camp. This would remain the Camp SS headquarters until 1945.

010 – Himmler orders the establishment of the Camp Inspectorate, 10 December 1934

Himmler orders the establishment of the Camp Inspectorate (10 December 1934)

With effect from 10.12.1934 the office of “Inspector of Concentration Camps” is established with residence in the office building of the Secret State Police [Gestapo] in Berlin, Prinz-Albrechtstr. 8 (Ground floor, Rooms 30–34) and directly subordinated to me. Matters of organization, administration and economic management of the concentration camps hitherto dealt with by Office II 1 D of the Secret State Police are removed from it as from the date mentioned and transferred to the new office, whereas processing of material (political) matters of protective custody continue to come under Office II 1 D. […]. The Camp Inspectorate is headed by SS Gruppenführer Eicke […]

Source: Bundesarchiv Berlin, R 3001/21265, Bl. 37

Translation: Ewald Osers

Part of theme:

Camp system