NCJ Number
67334
Date Published
1976
Length
6 pages
Annotation
CITIZEN INDIFFERENCE, POLICE PERSONNEL SHORTAGE, AND OTHER PARTICULAR PROBLEMS PLAGUE THE WEST GERMAN POLICE COUNSELING AGENCIES.
Abstract
POLICE COUNSELING IS THAT ASPECT OF CRIME PREVENTION WHICH TEACHES CITIZENS TO PROTECT THEMSELVES AGAINST CRIME AND TO AVOID HAZARDOUS SITUATIONS. A MAJOR IMPEDIMENT TO POLICE COUNSELING IS THAT WEST GERMAN CITIZENS PREFER THE QUICK AND EASY REDRESS OF DAMAGE THROUGH INSURANCE COVERAGE TO PREVENTING AN OFFENSE FROM OCCURRING. SOME POLICYMAKERS ATTEMPT TO MAKE THE PUBLIC MORE RESPONSIVE TO CRIME PREVENTION THROUGH THE USE OF FEAR; HOWEVER, INSECURITY AND LACK OF FAITH RESULT. INSTEAD, AN INTENSIVE PROGRAM AIMED AT PARTICULARLY FREQUENT TYPES OF CRIME VICTIMS OR AT INDIVIDUAL CITIZEN'S PROBLEMS IS SUGGESTED. PRESENTLY, THE OFFICIAL NUMBER OF COUNSELING AGENCIES IN WEST GERMANY AMOUNTS TO 87; HOWEVER, MOST OF THE SO-CALLED COUNSELORS FULFILL NUMEROUS UNRELATED TASKS AS WELL. ANOTHER COMPLICATING FACTOR IS THAT THE POLICE HAVE DIFFICULTY IN OFFERING ADVICE IN SUCH DELICATE AREAS AS RAPE AND CHILD ABUSE (DUE TO SOCIAL TABOOS) AND IN SOME AREAS OF FRAUD. FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF EFFECTIVE COUNSELING SERVICES, POLICE COUNSELORS NEED SPECIAL TRAINING TEACHING THEM TO COMBINE TECHNICAL EXPERTISE WITH PSYCHOLOGICAL INSIGHT INTO THE ADVICE SEEKERS. ADMINISTRATIVE REFORMS REQUIRING ONLY MINOR FINANCIAL EXPENSE INCLUDE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF (1) UNIFORM RULES CONCERNING THE TRAINING OF POLICE COUNSELORS, (2) MINIMAL STANDARDS FOR COUNSELING SERVICES, AND (3) A LIST OF DUTIES FOR WHICH A COUNSELOR IS RESPONSIBLE. --IN GERMAN. (SAJ)