International dialogue on modern policing
A delegation from Birmingham City University visited Germany for an academic exchange on police-related research and teaching.
On 7 and 8 April 2026, Associate Professor Ron Winch and a delegation of lecturers and Master’s students from Birmingham City University (BCU) visited the HWR Berlin and the Berlin Police Headquarters. Participants on the Criminology and Policing Master’s programme used the two-day visit for an intensive academic exchange, which examined police-related research and teaching in Germany and the UK from a comparative perspective.
AI in police work
The first day of the visit was primarily devoted to academic discussions on the HWR Berlin campus. Following a presentation of the degree programmes offered by Department 5 (Police and Security Management), a lively exchange developed on current issues relating to police law and police practice in both countries. Particular attention was paid to the use of artificial intelligence in police work. The participants discussed the current state of AI usage and related this to the latest provisions of Berlin’s General Security and Public Order Act (ASOG).
Operational practice
On the second day, the Berlin Police gave the British delegation an exclusive insight into operational practice. At the Police Headquarters on Platz der Luftbrücke, experts organised by Criminal Director Stefan Majchrzak and the Headquarters Staff presented various key areas of Berlin’s police work. The spectrum ranged from the handling of sexual offences against minors, through innovation and knowledge management at the State Office of Criminal Investigation (LKA), to the management of complex demonstration and assembly situations by riot police units, as well as the day-to-day tasks at a police precinct. These in-depth insights highlighted to the British guests the considerable added value of the close cooperation between HWR Berlin and the Berlin Police.
Prof. Dr Jan Dirk Roggenkamp, Head of the International Security Management programme, expressed his enthusiasm following the visit regarding the synergies between the institutions. He emphasised that the combination of police and private security, which links both universities, provides an excellent basis for long-term cooperation. The mutual learning process was regarded by both sides as extremely beneficial, which is why concrete plans are already being pursued for a return visit to Birmingham to further develop the partnership in the long term.