NRW tests criminal assistants - Relief for investigators - NRW Trials New 'Criminal Assistants' to Ease Police Workload
North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) is trialing a new role, criminal assistants, to support police investigations. The pilot project, involving 15 assistants, is underway at select police headquarters. This move aims to reduce bureaucracy and help officers focus on their core investigative duties.
Interior Minister Herbert Reul (CDU) highlighted the growing bureaucracy in police work and the increasing case load. Criminal assistants, working 'hand in hand' with investigators, will handle desk work such as searching databases, coordinating appointments, maintaining investigation files, and writing reports. This allows police officers to dedicate more time to actual investigative activities.
The pilot project is currently running at police headquarters in Essen, Bonn, Mettmann, and Hamm. After the trial, the concept will be evaluated, with potential expansion to more police headquarters if successful. This role goes beyond previous government employees assisting the Kripo, offering dedicated support for investigators.
NRW's pilot project of criminal assistants is underway, aiming to ease the burden on police officers and improve investigative efficiency. The results of this trial will determine the future of this role and its potential expansion across the region.
