First day in Germany and completed my first of many interviews over the next few weeks. After 14 hours of traveling, I met with Olaf Stürzebecher, Probation Officer at the Bezirksamt Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg of Berlin (Berlin Department of Family, Personnel and Diversity). Perspective is everything! Their system is built to rehabilitate, not incarcerate.
Juvenile is defined from age 14-18 and 18-21 is considered adolescent, and if anyone is arrested between those ages, Mr. Olaf’s office is contacted. Interviews are set up and approximately 70% of the juveniles arrested are processed through this office. They are interested in finding the root cause of the issue. Not necessarily the crime that occurred, but the underlying issue that lead to the juvenile committing the crime.
There are three steps in the process:
- Find a way to educate juvenile offender
- Diversion Programs- Are there other avenues that can lead to rehabilitation
- Incarceration with a focus on education
I also had the opportunity to tour the location that some would define as one of the roughest and toughest areas in Germany called Kottbusser Tor (Kotti). Growing up in Detroit and living in St. Louis, at first glance Kotti would remind you of one of our middle class suburban communities. This reminds me that everything is truly about perspective and what lens you are viewing things from.
While today was only day one, I’m encouraged by what I have seen and heard. Looking forward to meeting other professionals in this field, as well as touring German prisons and meeting with its prisoners.
Dwaun Warmack 