Police to Identify Mentally Ill Offenders Earlier - Berlin's Bold New Pilot Program Aims to Curb Violence by At-Risk Individuals
Berlin police are launching a new pilot program in April to prevent violent crimes by mentally ill individuals. The initiative aims to identify high-risk cases early and intervene before serious incidents occur.
The program follows a structured three-step approach. First, officers conduct an initial assessment of individuals who may pose a threat. Next, a central unit analyses the risk level. Finally, the State Criminal Police Office performs an in-depth evaluation.
If a genuine threat is confirmed, several actions can be taken. These include a case conference, involvement of psychiatric services, or court-ordered involuntary commitment. The focus remains on stopping severe violence before it happens.
The pilot will test whether early intervention can reduce violent crimes linked to mental illness. Police will monitor its effectiveness and adjust procedures as needed. The goal is to improve public safety while ensuring appropriate care for at-risk individuals.
