Abstract:
In July 2001, the Federal Government presented its "First Periodical Report on Security", which marked a first step in a new and promising direction for official reports on crime, in respect of both the reporting and evaluation of the internal security as well as the discussion on policy relating to crime. For the first time, a comprehensive picture will be drawn of the crime situation and of the development of crime, including not only the official crime statistics and the criminal justice statistics, but also the findings of scientific research, especially in the area of undetected crime. Furthermore, the report deals with the State’s reactions to crime, especially measures designed to prevent recidivism. Finally, it shows possibilities for measures to prevent or to reduce crime, not only in the field of criminal law but especially by other means not involving criminal law. The aim of the Periodical Report on Security is to objectify the discussion on crime and the reactions within penal law as well as to accord crime prevention the high level of importance it deserves. At the same time, a realistic depiction of crime might counteract a dramatisation of the situation, which causes fear among the public.