A new virtual platform of the North Rhine-Westphalian police, the "Internetwache", now allows citizens to report crimes, provide information or submit applications online. Victims of crime can also find out about their rights, offers of help and relevant contact points. With the help of the "interactive station finder", you can also quickly and easily find an "analog station" nearby or search for a specific station.
"Life is increasingly taking place in the digital world. A citizen-oriented police force must therefore not only be present on the streets, but also online - around the clock and accessible to everyone. The online police station is a modern way for people in North Rhine-Westphalia to get in touch with the police. In emergencies, however, people should continue to dial 110," said Interior Minister Herbert Reul.
After a comprehensive modernization in terms of layout and functions, the Internet police station can now be reached via a new address on the Internet (internetwache.polizei.nrw). The "virtual office" is completely focused on service for citizens. For example, meetings can now also be registered digitally. Accessibility aspects were also taken into account during the technical implementation. This makes it easier for people with disabilities in particular to find their way around the website and get in touch with the police. Above all, the redesign should offer a clear presentation, simple navigation, a contemporary design and a high recognition value. "Most people use their smartphones on the internet these days. That's why the developers have made sure that the new Internet police station can also be used optimally with mobile devices," says Minister Reul.
The expansion and modernization of the Internet Watch is also a response to the steady increase in reports and tips that are made or given online. While a total of around 110,000 cases were received in this way in 2019, the NRW police already received more than 240,000 cases via the internet in 2021. "By digitizing police tasks, we are making them even more efficient and transparent. Many applications can be processed and tracked completely digitally. By modernizing the Internet station, we want to further optimize police case and case processing," said Reul.