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Understanding Police Perspectives on Antisemitism: Insights from Interviews with German State Police
Sat, September 14, 8:00 to 9:15am, Faculty of Law, University of Bucharest, Floor: Ground floor, Petre Antonescu Room (1.30)Abstract
The growing menace of antisemitism poses significant challenges for law enforcement agencies globally. In Germany, recent societal polarizations, spurred by events such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the massacre of Israeli civilians on October 7, 2023, by Hamas terrorists and their supporters, have heightened tensions and led to a worrying surge in antisemitic incidents. Given these circumstances, it is essential that police officers are educated to identify different forms of antisemitism across various communities. Our research, involving detailed interviews with 39 participants from different divisions within the North Rhine-Westphalia State Police, delves into the complex aspects of recognizing antisemitism in law enforcement. This includes insights into the understanding, perception, identification, and handling of antisemitic incidents.
Our research reveals a significant knowledge shortfall within law enforcement agencies concerning the identification and contextual understanding of antisemitism. This gap highlights a need for specialized training and educational programs aimed at providing police officers with the essential skills and comprehension required to more efficiently combat antisemitism. In reaction to these insights, the collaborative research initiative EMPATHIA3 is creating specific training modules. These include a core curriculum as well as scenario-based exercises, all designed to elevate law enforcement personnel's awareness of the complexities surrounding antisemitism.
Our presentation will illustrate the critical findings from our study. Moreover, it will examine the wider implications for improving police training and cultivating a more robust response to antisemitism within the German law enforcement framework.