Congress programme

Opening

Erich Marks

DPT Managing Director

Welcome Address

Belit Onay

Patron of the Congress and Mayor of the State Capital Hannover

Statement

Christian Pegel

Minister for the Interior of the State of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania

Presentation of the German Prevention Award

Belit Onay

Patron of the Congress and Mayor of the State Capital Hannover

Welcome address by seagull

Seagull

Key topic: AI in prevention

Professor Dr Gina Rosa Wollinger

University of Applied Sciences for Police and Public Administration, North Rhine-Westphalia

AI in prevention practice

Professor Dr Dirk Baier

University of Zurich/Zurich Institute of Applied Sciences

Musical framework
Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania State Police Orchestra

PhD in Law Carlos Imbrosio Filho, Autonomous University of Lisbon - UAL

This lecture explores how artificial intelligence (AI) can support community‑level violence prevention by enabling early detection of risk factors and proactive interventions. It outlines challenges in prevention, including delayed detection, limited data insights, and research‑practice gaps. A proof‑of‑concept system using multi‑source data (incident reports, social indicators, anonymised mobility data) to generate early warnings is presented. Ethical, legal, and operational considerations ─ such as privacy, bias, trust, and transparency ─ are discussed. Preliminary pilot results illustrate how AI outputs were integrated into a local prevention network, used by practitioners, and the lessons learned regarding stakeholder engagement and workflow integration. The lecture concludes with guidance for responsibly designing AI‑augmented early warning mechanisms and bridging technology with practical prevention.

Professor Minakshi Sinha, LNJN-NICFS, National Forensic Sciences University, MHA, GOI

Cyber space is a complex and dynamic environment which cuts across Global Boundaries. The innovative technologies and modern gadgets have led to increased dependencies on computer resources, internet-based transactions and social networking platforms. This gave an opportunity for cyber criminals to target online users. During Post post-pandemic, the scale of Cybercrime reached unprecedented levels. By 2023, the Global cost of cybercrime had soared to $8 trillion (International Telecommunication Union, 2024). The financial burden on the businesses also surged with the average Global cost of a data breach estimated at $4.45 million in 2023 (Global Cybersecurity Index, 2024). In India, during the post-pandemic period of 2021-2022, cybercrime cases saw a sustainable increase of 24.4% with 65, 893 cases reported compared to 52, 974 in 2021. The crime rate rose significantly, from, 3.9 in 2021 to 4.8 in 2022 (Crime in India, 2022). The complex methods to commit crime has posed serious challenges to Law Enforcement Agencies in handling such crime. In this background causes & trend of cyber-crime will be analysed. Thereafter, challenges faced by Law Enforcement Agencies in handling the crime at National and Transnational level are discussed. Finally, actionable suggestions for sustainable prevention & control of cybercrime will be provided followed by conclusion.

Dr. Friedhelm Hartwig, modus*
Heron Lopes, Stop Hate Brazil
Dr. Goetz Nordbruch, ufuq.de

Bringing together perspectives from monitoring, technological research, and civic and media education, this workshop aims to facilitate an exchange on recurring challenges at the intersection of PVE research and practice in the digital media landscape. It includes three short input presentations followed by a moderated discussion with participants. 1) Social Media Monitoring as a Knowledge Hub for Islamist and Salafi Content (Friedhelm Hartwig) This presentation introduces the monitoring workflow and presents key findings on the characteristics of German Islamist and Salafi social media communities, which are often influenced by global, English-speaking Salafi and Islamist networks. 2) How Online Extremist Communities Harness AI Technology to Mainstream Radical Narratives (Heron Lopes) This presentation highlights the methods used by malicious actors to circumvent safety systems, as well as their strategies for simplifying AI-generated content in order to normalize extremist narratives. 3) Taking a Step Back – Identifying Recurring Challenges in PVE Responses to Digital Media Trends (Götz Nordbruch) PVE initiatives must respond to rapidly evolving social media discourses and media-driven escalations. This presentation explores recurring themes and challenges that can be identified and addressed through PVE practice.

Rebecca Visser, Violence Prevention Network

As online spaces increasingly influence people’s perceptions, identities and social conduct, P/CVE strategies ought to focus on the challenges of online radicalisation and its connection to offline behaviour. Detecting risk patterns in online activities is a prerequisite for providing targeted and effective prevention services. This session aims at exploring the opportunities, as well as practical and ethical challenges, Artificial Intelligence offers within online-offline-referral structures based on insights from Violence Prevention Network’s “Diversions” model for online-offline referrals. “Diversions” builds a bridge between 1) tech platforms who can identify on-platform behaviours that indicate propensity to violence or risk of radicalisation; 2) Violence Prevention Network’s centralised off-ramp service; and 3) practitioner support offering long-term behaviour change interventions. Including international perspectives from our practitioners, academic and tech partners, we will address questions regarding potential applications of AI to detect and triage cases for online-offline referral and/or online engagement, as well as safeguards needed to address data protection, ethical, and other challenges.

Dr. Dr. h.c. Detlef Schröder, German Prevention Congress

The Safer Communities Forum (SCF), initiated and hosted by the Ministry of Interior of the United Arab Emirates, has established an international working group to analyze and improve the situation of people of determination ─ individuals with disabilities ─ within the criminal justice system. Evidence shows that people of determination are disproportionately represented as victims, suspects, and convicted offenders. Despite this, there remains a significant gap in understanding their specific needs across the various stages of the justice process. This gap begins with initial encounters involving first responders and can extend to inadequate treatment within correctional facilities. The working group of international experts aims to assess the current situation across different justice systems and to develop concrete, actionable recommendations. These may include awareness campaigns, training materials, and practical tools to support justice sector professionals in addressing the needs of people of determination more effectively. This presentation will provide an overview of the group’s work to date, including key findings and the tools developed to foster more inclusive and equitable justice systems.

PHD candidate Stanislavs Seiko, University of Latvia

This study addresses the reasons some youths fail to participate in correctional programs following alcohol and tobacco consumption. Correction programs aim to reduce repeat offenses by means of education and behavioral modification. Nonetheless, numerous teens avoid engagement. The study utilizes police data from the past five years and focus group interviews with juvenile unit officers. Law enforcement officers identify multiple factors: insufficient parental engagement, lack of interest in program material, scheduling issues, and social pressure. The findings indicate that enforcement by itself does not guarantee participation. Effective prevention necessitates programs that align with the realities of adolescents, adaptable delivery methods, and collaboration among law enforcement, schools, and social services. Mitigating structural and motivational barriers can enhance program participation and diminish early substance use among adolescents.

Prof. Dr. Zhanat Dilbarkhanova, Acamedy of Management of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Introduction: Policing in the Digital Era Global challenges to modern policing; Kazakhstan’s shift from a reactive, force based model to preventive, service oriented, community policing.

• Security challenges in the digital age and the development of AI Growth of cybercrime, online fraud, digital radicalization, and social vulnerabilities; creation of an integrated national security system.
• Digital Projects and Smart Technologies Digital district police officer, omnichannel communication with citizens, national CCTV and AI based analytics, drones, and unified crime risk mapping.
• Training and Human Capital Development Role of the Academy of Management, digital recruitment via Qyzmet police.kz, emphasis on soft skills, ethics, and human rights.
• Community Engagement and Public Participation Citizen involvement in local safety, public campaigns, the “Listening State” approach.
• Youth, Safety Culture, and Digital Literacy Educational programs, youth forums and camps, materials on safety, and promotion of digital literacy and cyber hygiene.
• Expected Outcomes and Impact Higher legal literacy, reduced crime, stronger communities, improved police image.
• Community Oriented Policing Standards Service quality principles: legality, etc. Conclusion. Summary of reform goals, role of technology, human capital, and societal

Dr. Macarena Rau Vargas, International CPTED Association

The paper describes the relationship between first, second, and third-generation CPTED methodology and various types of artificial intelligence, based on the white paper on CPTED and artificial intelligence developed by Greg Saville, founder of the International CPTED Association. It also explores CPTED through the use of artificial intelligence. The White Paper "Artificial Intelligence and CPTED – Navigating the Ethical Threshold Theory & Praxis Committee" debates the impact of CPTED in the context of AI tools. The presentation also links this knowledge to the context of the ISO CPTED 22341 standard and its evolution in the areas of housing design aligned with the UN SDGs. Finally, it describes housing projects in Latin America that have incorporated the CPTED approach.

Dr. Hyoung-chan Jo, Korean Institute of Criminology and Justice (KICJ)

The development of AI-based crime prediction in South Korea has mainly driven by the National Police Agency. Starting in the mid-2010s, the police utilized GeoPros (Geographic Profiling System) and CLUE (Crime Location and Unknown-case Examiner). These systems used historical data to create crime risk maps of areas with high theft or violence rates to optimize patrol routes. The Pre-CAS (Predictive Crime Risk Analysis System) is the core software currently used for proactive policing. While earlier systems focused on mapping historical crime data, Pre-CAS represents the integration of big data and AI to predict future risks. In November 2025, the police launched a generative AI system integrated with the Korea Information System of Criminal-justice Services (KICS). It assists officers in ummarizing interrogation records and drafting search warrants, essentially digitizing the entire prediction to prosecution process. While the government touts these tools as essential for public safety, they have faced rigorous scrutiny from civil society and lawtes. The AI Framework Act, which takes in effect from 2026, has been criticized for being too industry-friendly. Human rights groups argue it lacks "high-risk AI" safeguards and clear remedies for citizens wrongly targeted by predictive algorithms.

Dr. You Na Chung, Korean Institute of Criminology and Justice (KICJ)
Dr. Jee Young Yun, Korean Institute of Criminology and Justice (KICJ)

The era of “Physical AI”, where artificial intelligence extends into embodied physical systems, is rapidly emerging. Robots, autonomous vehicles, drones, and urban air mobility (UAM) offer significant potential to enhance urban efficiency; however, when misused, they pose serious challenges to existing crime prevention and policing frameworks. This presentation examines emerging crime patterns associated with Physical AI and discusses policy and institutional implications from a prevention perspective. The presentation first analyzes materialized threats, focusing on privacy violations and criminal misuse of small drones. It then explores medium- to long-term scenarios, including threats to UAM infrastructure and the potential misuse of autonomous vehicles through cyber intrusion or unauthorized access to control systems. Additionally, the NYPD’s deployment of robotic dogs is examined to illustrate the possibilities and limitations of Physical AI in high-risk policing environments. In this context, the presentation addresses societal debates regarding the risk of a “surveillance society”. By discussing policy transparency, accountability, and social acceptability, it highlights key challenges facing modern policing and offers insights into future directions for academic and policy-oriented discussion.

Rene Berndt, AIA LEED AP
Carlos Gutierrez, ICA Director - CPTED in Schools Committee Chair
Dr. Manjari Khanna Kapoor, Vice President of International CPTED Association (ICA)
Dr. Tim Pascoe, Director Griffin Research & Consultancy

5:00 -5:10 School CPTED Guide (Carlos Gutierrez and Rene Berndt) In the summer of 2019, a group of architectural facility designers, educators, educational researchers, and psychologists from around the world conducted a “safety and security in schools” workshop in Mexico. The group concluded that the safety and wellbeing of learners must be addressed comprehensively in all three dimensions of human existence: The physical, the social and the psycho-emotional environment. After 3 years of global collaboration, the group presented their pathway for the implementation of this comprehensive approach and published the CPTED in School guidebook in 2022. 5:10-5:20 Iso CPTED Standard 22341 (Dr. Tim Pascoe) Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) is a well-established, multidisciplinary approach to reducing crime, antisocial behaviour, and fear of crime through the design and management of the built and social environment. The development of international and European CPTED standards - most notably ISO 22341:2021 and the CEN/EN 14383 series - represents a major step in formalising, harmonising, and professionalising CPTED practice worldwide. 5:20-5:30 CPTED and the UNSDG (Dr. Manjari Khanna Kapoor) Crime and fear of crime are major impediments to growth and liveability in built environments and cities. Physical and mental security are vital contemporary pre-requisites for healthy living, economic growth and socio-economic sustainability. CPTED methodologies are used widely to control crime and fear of crime but actually they contribute at broader socio-economic levels towards the achievement of the UNSDGs. For the Global South, this saves precious resources ensuring the most comprehensive kind of development that is economically and socially sustainable.

Prof. Dr. Marcelo Aebi, Faculty of Law, Criminal Justice and Public Administration
Dr. Anthony Capizzi, Transatlantischer Dialog
Prof. Dr. Mike Toro Alvarez, University of Scranton

Internet crimes have more than doubled since 2019. This also includes organized crime, but more and more offenses are happening, which are traditionally not associated with the cyberspace, such as mobbing, stalking, sexual harrasments, abuse and rape. Alone in Austria the rate of digital extortion and aggravated extortion have risen almost 100 % from 2019 to 2023. While the offending rates are raising so tremendously, the conviction rates for such offenses remain relatively low in child abuse cases only 4 %, and the conviction rate for digital extortions even fell by 10 %. Among other reasons this suggest, tha the police may be overwhelmed with the investigation of cybercrimes and/or the necessary tools are not fully available and in many cases the investigations are lacking sufficient evidence.Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the administration of justice is growing at a rapid pace. This is driven by widespread recognition of AI justice’s undeniable advantages; despite the risks it presents to the integrity of legal systems. The workshop will introduce a Cybercrime Detection And Investigation Program which is designed to support digital investigations and strengthen information security for all actors within the justice system, accessible even to professionals without a technical background. The features will be demonstrated.

Dr. Jisun Choi, Korean Institute of Criminology and Justice
Dr. Yoori Seong, Korean Institute of Criminology and Justice

Traditional recidivism models often fail to capture the real-time impact of dynamic data and the precise timing of behavioral shifts. As assessment moves toward real-time behavioral data, AI models analyze hundreds of variables, including GPS and contexts. However, this data explosion introduces Spurious Correlation—identifying statistically significant but causally irrelevant patterns. To ensure reliability, I propose a Theory-Informed AI framework that grounds algorithmic learning in Dynamic Risk Factors. This approach utilizes Domain-Specific Feature Engineering to extract psychological significance from raw records. Instead of tracking simple movement distance, I focus on identifying high-risk behavioral indicators, such as deviations from daily routines, visits to locations linked to past offenses, or changes in the utilization of social support resources. Furthermore, I introduces Counterfactual Validation using synthetic data. By simulating diverse recidivism scenarios and altering only specific behavioral proxies, I can test the model's causal robustness. This transforms AI from a mere prediction engine into a preventive tool. By integrating psychological causality with AI’s computational power, I aims to build a system based on explainable evidence rather than coincidental correlation, ensuring a robust and ethically sound justice system.

Dr Anca Serbanescu, University of Salford (USAL)
Professor Andrew Wootton, University of Salford (USAL)

The European crime prevention landscape is complex, involving multiple disciplines, sectors, and governance levels. This presentation explores how the human-centred design (HCD) process can support innovation within the broad European security research & innovation ecosystem. Based on the Engage2innovate research project, the contribution revolves around presenting methods and tools for non-designers that allows them to work systemically: framing problems, engaging stakeholders, and discovering interconnections. The lecture will offer a detailed exploration of the HCD model, outlining its six core phases: Discover, Define, Develop, Deliver, Deploy, and Digest. Each phase will be accompanied by practical methods and tools that support collaborative and iterative innovation processes. Building on this foundation, the session will critically reflect on current challenges and limitations in conducting R&I at the European level. It will then propose an expanded framework that incorporates additional stages aligned with the evolving EU R&I landscape, culminating in a comprehensive vision and a structured, facilitative approach to cross-disciplinary collaboration in crime prevention research.

Eran Lederman, Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design Jerusalem
Dr. Elad Persov, Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design Jerusalem

Radicalisation remains a complex challenge across the EU. While law enforcement responses remain essential, there is growing recognition of the need for upstream, prevention-focused approaches. This lecture explores how design, across multiple disciplines, can play a strategic role in this effort. Drawing on more than 20 case studies, we explore how architecture, interaction design, service design, and industrial design help prevent radicalisation. Each case is evaluated through a mixed-methods strategy, incorporating functional coding, design research, and qualitative methods. This approach allows us to recognize new patterns, identify gaps, and uncover potential opportunities. Findings suggest that designers bring valuable tools for reframing problems, prototyping community-based interventions, and engaging hard-to-reach groups. Co-design workshops, creative engagement formats, and redesigned public services or environments are explored among the practices. The study is conducted as part of the Engage2innovate Horizon Europe project. Findings encourage discussion among policymakers, practitioners, designers, and researchers. We suggest acknowledging design as an essential skill for countering radicalization and fostering more inclusive, innovative approaches to social disintegration and extremist threats.

Advocate Shikha Sinha, High court of Allahabad Lucknow Bench

Online crimes have been posing serious challenges to Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) across multiple dimensions, including the transactional nature of offences, rapid technological evolution, organized cyber networks, and constantly changing modus operandi. Furthermore, during investigations, offenders often invoke the Right to Privacy to resist data disclosure, complicating lawful evidence collection. This lecture will begin with an overview of the Right to Privacy, tracing its evolution from traditional interpretations to its modern relevance in the digital era. It will then examine key case laws, legislative frameworks, and judicial pronouncements that have shaped the understanding of privacy in India. Subsequently, it will provide an overview of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, along with relevant provisions of the Information Technology Act, 2000, within the Indian legal context. The discussion will conclude with practical recommendations and policy insights aimed at strengthening the Right to Privacy in the digital domain while ensuring effective, fair, and balanced criminal investigation processes.