Police Test New Digital Information System to Enhance Connectivity

The police forces across Germany are engaged in the development of a new digital information system aimed at streamlining operations and improving efficiency in handling crime-related data. This initiative, which has been in discussion since 2016 among federal and state interior ministers, seeks to create a centralized platform that allows law enforcement agencies to access critical information swiftly and securely.

Brandenburg is contributing to this effort through its segment of the program known as BraVo, which focuses on the management of police activities. In addition, the state is piloting an electronic case file system for criminal proceedings, as confirmed by the Interior Ministry in Potsdam in response to an inquiry from the CDU parliamentary group.

The overarching program, referred to as P20, consists of 20 distinct components from various police authorities across the country, designed to foster better connectivity among them. The goal is to ensure that law enforcement officials have access to necessary information anytime and anywhere, ultimately simplifying and expediting police work. The complete implementation of this digital system is projected to be finalized by 2030, with several applications currently undergoing practical testing.

As of February this year, police and judicial institutions in Brandenburg have been testing the electronic case file system in a productive pilot phase. This initiative involves the inter-agency exchange of electronic case files among the police directorate in the northern region, the Neuruppin public prosecutor's office, and local district courts. Following several weeks of piloting, the electronic case files are expected to be rolled out across all police departments, public prosecutor's offices, and criminal courts in Brandenburg.

Starting January 1, 2026, all newly created files within the justice system will need to be managed electronically. Furthermore, since 2022, lawyers have been required to submit their documents to the courts in electronic format, signifying a shift towards digital operations in the legal sphere.

However, the BraVo program itself is not slated to launch until mid-2027 due to the need for the establishment of suitable IT infrastructure. This system will replace the existing ComVor system currently used in collaboration with several states, including Baden-Württemberg, Hamburg, Hessen, and Thüringen, allowing for improved management of police operations such as initiating searches for persons and property.