Police in Berlin are taking steps to prevent more burglaries and carjackings as the city sees an increase in crime.
Police said they are adding special anti-crime patrols during specific hours of high crime activity. They are doing this by having public safety personnel work extra shifts to “get more manpower on our streets to try to address the tide of break-ins, stolen vehicles, thefts and the resulting increase in “quality crimes of life”. “
In a statement released on behalf of the police chief and chairman of the police commission, the department said the current law enforcement restrictions affecting all state police departments are affecting their ability to do their work
“Gone are the days when the police were engaged in fleeing pursuits of suspects for minor crimes and property crimes. Frankly, with the reduction of the qualified immunity protection of the police, the officers are getting it wrong in terms of accountability, which in turn is limiting their response to calls for service,” the police department said in a statement.
Changes to the juvenile justice system in the state have “changed the way law enforcement can respond to crimes committed by juvenile offenders and the consequences of their actions.” Berlin police said most crimes in the city are committed by minors.
Despite the aforementioned restrictions, police said they believe the additional patrols will put them on the right track to combating these crime problems.
The police department said residents should continue to call them to report suspicious behavior.
“A strong partnership between the community and the police is needed to maintain a safe community. Working together, we will all win with a vibrant and peaceful Berlin,” police said.
