NCJ Number
169468
Journal
EuroCriminology Volume: 11 Dated: (1997) Pages: 101-115
Date Published
1997
Length
15 pages
Annotation
The extent to which police agencies in Germany have crime under control is debated, particularly with respect to the role of government in dealing with potential or actual violations of German law.
Abstract
In 1995, 6.7 million crimes were registered in Germany. Fear of crime increased dramatically toward the end of the 1980's and the early 1990's, especially in large cities. Major crime types include drug-related offenses, domestic violence, and automobile theft and trafficking in stolen automobiles. Technological developments that primarily involve information and communications technology have resulted in new types of crime and new methods of crime prevention and suppression. Although certain crime prevention strategies are effective, reducing excessive fear of crime is difficult. Responsibility for the complex and dynamic phenomenon of internal security cannot be the responsibility of police agencies alone. Nonetheless, police agencies in Germany are always the focus of attention when rising crime becomes prominent in public debate. The inclusion of integrated objectives in government policies is recommended so that laws are effectively applied to maintain internal security and stability. 31 references and 29 footnotes