Police in the Ennepe-Ruhr district: Criminal complaints now digital!

Police in the Ennepe-Ruhr district: Criminal complaints now digital!

The district police authority in the Ennepe-Ruhr district is taking big steps into the digital age! From July 1, 2025, the digital recording and further processing of criminal complaints will become a reality. The change is part of a comprehensive reform that the North Rhine-Westphalia police are introducing in the context of the Code of Criminal Procedure. The legal requirements that make electronic file management mandatory from January 1, 2026 are a central factor. But that's not all!

The Internet watchdog was introduced in August 2022, allowing citizens to file criminal complaints online around the clock. This measure gives people the opportunity to raise their concerns in an uncomplicated and time-saving manner. As Ruhrkanal.news reports, the new regulation will abolish the previous paper file in many cases. The criminal complaints are not only processed digitally, but communication with the public prosecutor's office also takes place via secure digital interfaces. Sending files by post was a thing of the past!

A step into the future

The advantages are clear: through digital processing, authorities not only save resources and costs, but also valuable time. Documents can be conveniently provided via email, and the people making the report also receive all the necessary documents digitally. When filing a report, citizens are given email addresses to which they can send their documents. This not only saves paper, but also protects the environment.

As Mönchengladbach Police explains in detail, from March 24, 2025, criminal complaints will only be processed digitally. The savings from eliminating physical mail deliveries and eliminating paper files are also a big step towards more efficient processes and fewer waiting times. Close cooperation with the public prosecutor's office and the courts will also support the successful introduction of the e-file.

Digitalization on a broad front

However, the path to comprehensive digitalization is not an easy one. According to information from the NRW Police, over 60,000 processes have already been sent electronically and the rollout in various cities such as Hamm, Düren and Düsseldorf is in full swing. The advantages of digitalization are manifold: There is less paper, the documents can be searched in full text and the risk of losing files is minimized.

Another exciting project is the development of a new app for digital interrogation, which is also based on the electronic criminal file. This app makes it possible to carry out interrogations from anywhere and add handwritten notes directly. The app also makes it easier to read ID cards. Digitalization is progressing and preparing the NRW police for the future!

However, in emergencies it is still important to call 110, for example if you are threatened or if you observe crimes. The complete changes in law enforcement are bringing a breath of fresh air into the processes - and the North Rhine-Westphalia police are well on the way to helping citizens even more efficiently.