"We have an enforcement deficit"

Dr. Felor Badenberg, Berlin Senator for Justice and Consumer Protection, as a guest at the VBKI

Right-wing extremism, left-wing extremism, Islamist terrorism. Outdoor swimming pools as no-go areas, attacks on emergency services, stabbings with fatal outcomes. According to media reports, safety on the streets of Berlin is not in good shape. Is that true? If so, to what extent? And how can the challenges be met?

Answers to these and other questions were provided at the VBKI by a person who should know: Berlin's Senator of Justice Dr. Felor Badenberg. Moderated by VBKI board member Dr. Kay Lindemann, the senator, who worked for the Office for the Protection of the Constitution for many years before her political career, held a lively discussion on the many challenges facing the judiciary and security authorities.

A central topic was the overloading of the justice system. "We have an enforcement deficit," explained Dr. Badenberg. Among other things, a growing number of regulations and laws mean that the public prosecutor's office and the courts are rarely able to process cases efficiently and promptly. As a result, the administration of justice is delayed, punishments are rarely carried out promptly and trust in the justice system is declining.

Dr. Badenberg also criticized the fact that the increase in personnel for security authorities such as the police was not synchronized with the increase in personnel for the judiciary. "In case of doubt, 100 additional police officers generate 100 additional cases," she emphasized. The unequal distribution of resources means that the judiciary cannot keep up with the number of cases generated by the police.

Another problem addressed by the senator was the inadequate equipment and poor working conditions in the justice system. She reported on moldy rooms and a lack of funds for maintenance. "I find it embarrassing that there is no money for renovation," she said clearly. These conditions add to the frustration and work pressure of judicial employees.

Dr Badenberg has high hopes for digitalization. Digital measures could not only help to make work processes more efficient. They also have the potential to improve the exchange of information between different departments - one of the biggest brakes on safety. "Nowadays, redundant lines are being created that we can't really afford," she said.

The senator was particularly critical of the political and bureaucratic hurdles that make it difficult for the judiciary to work effectively. Without a far-reaching reform of the legal system, many of the current problems could hardly be solved. The justice ministers of the federal states are aware of this fact, but the necessary cooperation and implementation of the reforms often come up against resistance and bureaucracy.

Despite the overwhelming challenges, the CDU politician expressed her determination to bring about change. She spoke about the need for better equipment and more staff in the justice system, particularly in the area of organized crime. "I do believe that I can get one or two things done," she said optimistically.