Everything you need to know about the role of the Federal Police in recording hate crimes (PMK-rechts)

Everything you need to know about the role of the Federal Police in monitoring right-wing hate crimes (PMK -rechts) in Germany

Germany takes the fight against hate crime very seriously, especially when it is politically or racially motivated. One of the most critical categories in this context is politically motivated crime from the right-wing spectrum, referred to as PMK -rechts. The Federal Police plays a central role in recording, documenting and helping to investigate these offences.

What does PMK -rechts mean?

The abbreviation PMK stands for Politically Motivated Crime (Politisch motivierte Kriminalität).
PMK -rechts refers specifically to offences committed out of right-wing extremist motivation, for example:

• hostility towards foreigners and refugees,

• antisemitism,

• hostility towards religious or ethnic minorities,

• glorification of National Socialism or dissemination of banned Nazi symbols.

The role of the Federal Police in monitoring these crimes

1. Recording and analysing data

• The Federal Police collects reports and incidents with a political background and feeds them into central databases.

• These data are analysed to identify patterns and trends, such as regional hotspots or particularly targeted groups.

2. Cooperation with state police forces

• The Federal Police works closely with the police authorities of the federal states.

• Joint operations, campaigns and searches are coordinated against right-wing extremist networks.

3. Regular situation reports

• On the basis of the collected information, annual situation reports and statistics are compiled, which include figures and trends on hate crime and PMK -rechts.

4. Preventive monitoring and threat prevention

• Monitoring demonstrations and gatherings where right-wing extremist propaganda, hate or violence is likely.

• Observing extremist content online in cooperation with other security agencies.

How is a crime classified as PMK -rechts?

• During the investigation, the motivation behind the offence is assessed.

• If there are clear right-wing extremist references (e.g. Nazi slogans, racist insults, targeted attacks on minorities), the offence is officially registered under the category PMK -rechts.

Figures and statistics

• Annual reports show that right-wing extremist offences constitute a significant share of hate crime in Germany.

• In 2022, for example, more than 20,000 right-wing motivated offences were recorded, including a considerable number of violent crimes.

• A large proportion of these attacks is directed against migrants, refugees, Muslims and Jews.

How does the police protect victims?

• In high-risk cases, the police can order personal protection or other security measures.

• Victims are supported in accessing psychological counselling and legal advice.

• They can be referred to specialised victim-support services for hate crime and extremist violence.

Reporting hate crimes

Immediate help

• In acute danger: call the emergency number 110.

Filing a report

• In person at the nearest police station.

• Or via the online reporting portals (Online-Wache) of the respective federal states, where available.

Do not remain silent

Reporting helps to:

• hold perpetrators legally accountable,

• show the real scale of hate crime,

• improve prevention and protection measures at national and local level.

The role of civil society

• Supporting the police by providing information, witness statements and documentation.

• Taking part in awareness campaigns and projects against hatred and racism.

• Offering emotional support to victims and encouraging them to report incidents.

Conclusion

The category PMK -rechts is an important indicator of the challenges Germany faces in combating right-wing extremism. The Federal Police, together with the state police forces and civil society, works to detect these offences at an early stage, to prosecute them consistently and to protect everyone living in the country, regardless of origin or religion. If you witness or experience a hate crime, don’t hesitate – reporting it is a crucial step towards a safer society for all.

Key German terms

• Politisch motivierte Kriminalität (PMK): politically motivated crime

• PMK -rechts: right-wing extremist offences

• Verfassungsschutzbericht: report on the protection of the constitution / extremism report

• Hasskriminalität: hate crime

• Bundespolizei: Federal Police

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The editorial and writing team of the website strives to provide accurate information based on thorough research and multiple sources. Nevertheless, errors or incomplete details may occur. Please treat the information in this article as an initial reference and always consult the competent authorities or legal professionals for binding and up-to-date advice.