Empirical Research on Excessive Use of Force by the Police in Germany

The KviAPol Research Project and its Method, Implementation, and Challenges

Abstract

Criminal proceedings against police officers concerning the use of excessive force are remarkably often closed by German prosecutors due to insufficient grounds for suspicion (§ 170 (2) German Code of Criminal Procedure), and rarely lead to an indictment. Judicial decisions in such cases show a disproportionately low conviction rate. In light of these findings from the official crime control statistics, the KviAPol research project for the first time systematically addresses the perspective of those affected, while looking into the personal and situational aspects of victimisation as well as the judicial handling of such cases. The project is funded by the DFG and set to run for two years. In addition to the cases represented in official statistics, the study will particularly consider the structure and characteristics of unreported cases in this very specific area of crime. First results have been published in an executive summary. The paper at hand outlines the study’s methodological approach and reflects on the strategy employed for recruiting participants, which is distinguished by its snowball method via gatekeepers and the intensive use of social media. Finally, methodological challenges in the study design are discussed and assessed.