Refugees and Migrants in German Prisons: Outlining Problems and Solutions

Abstract

The so-called refugee crisis is, not only in Germany but also in Europe, a very actual issue. Especially after the incidents in Cologne on New Year’s Eve 2015/2016, the debate about criminal refugees and how to deal with them is one of the most discussed topics in Germany. Although the phenomenon of migration is not a new issue, only limited data are available, particularly in the Police Crime Statistics and in the prison statistics. Based on the Police Crime Statistics, correctional statistics, as well as an actual research project, this paper presents some data on non-German offenders and prisoners. Doubtless, an increase in this population is accompanied by more criminality and an increase of prisoners, which the correctional system has to handle. Several problems appear, above all the communication and language problems but also the risk of radicalization and the dealing with traumatization. Most prisons have reacted to these problems, and some selected approaches are presented.