Quantity of workers or staff members increased
Germany's Nationwide "SKiD" Survey on Security and Crime Kicks Off
Launched in 2017 by the Interior Ministers' Conference, the nationwide and representative population survey, known as "SKiD" (Security and Crime in Germany), is currently underway. Participants from 110 municipalities, aged 16 and above, are being surveyed randomly. The Federal Criminal Police Office is spearheading the study, with respondents receiving questionnaires to complete.
The primary objective of the survey, according to Dr. Maike Meyer from the Criminalistic-Criminological Research Institute (KKF) of the North Rhine-Westphalia State Criminal Police Office, is to ascertain people's experiences with the police, crime, and safety. The goal is to obtain a more accurate assessment of the prevalence of victim experiences and improve the development of sustainable crime prevention strategies.
In addition to gauging feelings of security, the study seeks to discover situations evoking civil courage and instances where emergency calls are made. Moreover, individuals are inquired about their sense of safety in places like train stations, as well as their experiences with crimes such as break-ins, internet fraud, and sexual harassment. Dr. Meyer emphasizes the importance of understanding whether these experiences were reported to the authorities and what factors may have impeded such reporting.
Preliminary findings from the survey indicate that every crime phenomenon that is politically or medially debated has a hidden aspect, often providing supporting evidence in areas like identifying those most affected by offenses and understanding the consequences of such experiences. Insights from the 2020 survey have led to efforts to ensure the safety of public spaces. A third wave of the survey is currently being planned for 2026.
Crime and security surveys such as the SKiD serve to understand the public's perception of safety, crime rates, and the effectiveness of law enforcement strategies. They typically explore crime trends, public perceptions, and victimization rates. Common prevention measures resulting from such data include community engagement, education, technology integration, and social programs. However, specific details about the SKiD survey can be accessed from direct publications or reports from the Federal Criminal Police Office.
- The SKiD survey, currently underway in Germany, not only focuses on crime and safety experiences but also delves into mental health, health-and-wellness, and general news by seeking individuals' perspectives on their sense of safety in various settings and their encounters with crimes like internet fraud and sexual harassment.
- Beyond gathering data on crime and victim experiences, the SKiD survey aims to shed light on \'mental health\', understanding whether these experiences were reported to the authorities and what factors may have hindered such reporting, thus contributing to better mental health support systems and services.
- Moreover, the study's comprehensive approach includes measuring feelings of safety in public spaces like train stations, as well as investigating situations evoking civil courage and emergency calls made, thus touching upon aspects of crime-and-justice and health-and-wellness, with implications for improving overall community safety and wellbeing.
