Policing Incivilities in Germany (From Hard Cop, Soft Cop: Dilemmas and Debates in Contemporary Policing, P 40-53, 2004, Roger Hopkins Burke, ed. -- See NCJ-206005)

• NCJ Number: 206008
• Author(s): Alick Whyte
• Date Published: 2004
• Length: 14 pages
• Sale Source: Willan Publishing
• Publication Format: Book (Softbound)
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Description
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This chapter discusses the nature of the police response to public incivilities in Germany and the methods used.

Abstract

The style of policing adopted to respond to the growing problem of incivilities in Germany was influenced by the zero tolerance policing first introduced in New York City in 1993 and later in various British jurisdictions. This style of policing involves a crackdown on all types of offenses, no matter how trivial, but with a focus on those minor offenses that cause annoyance to the public. This approach was in turn influenced by the "broken windows theory," which argues that the existence and escalation of observable and daily incivilities in a neighborhood lead to crime, which fuels additional incivilities. The solution, according to the theory, consists of environmental management strategies designed to remove signs of disorder and incivilities, such as removing graffiti and other signs of vandalism. A group of senior German police officers visited New York City in 1997 to observe the operation and effects of zero tolerance policing. Upon their return to Germany, they reported to the Federal Minister of the Interior on the apparent success of the zero tolerance strategy in New York City. The Minister of the Interior then proposed to the ministers of the interior of the Lander (counties) that a number of German cities be selected for the long-term experimental introduction of a similar initiative. Special attention was to be paid to railway stations and their surrounding areas. The offenses targeted were graffiti, vandalism, and intrusive or threatening begging. In some jurisdictions, the enforcement of such ordinances has been delegated to an auxiliary force of unarmed civilians without formal police powers of arrest; however, local bylaws may afford them extensive powers of arrest and search. They are trained by the police and at the local government training institute. In Germany, the Land (county) minister of the interior's control of both the police and the public order department ensures that there is no conflict over coordination and direction of duties. The policy and structure for zero tolerance policing in Germany has been introduced without the need for specific legislation. 5 notes