Berlin, December 22, 2025 – The Berlin Police will now be better equipped to handle situations involving individuals in psychological emergencies. This follows the signing of a new cooperation agreement between the police and the six providers of the Berlin Crisis Service (BKD), as announced.
Enhanced Collaboration for Psychological Crisis Intervention
The primary objective of this renewed partnership is to more closely integrate police officers with psychosocial crisis intervention services during challenging operations. This integration is expected to lead to more efficient and professional support for individuals in acute psychological distress.
Focus on Training and Education
A key aspect of this collaboration involves incorporating the crisis service into police training and further education programs. This initiative aims to familiarize police officers more thoroughly with the available resources and strategies for managing psychological emergencies, including suicide prevention. The goal is to ensure that officers are better prepared to recognize and respond to such sensitive situations effectively.
The agreement emphasizes the importance of early integration of qualified crisis services during police deployments. This joint approach will allow trained personnel to be brought in more quickly to assist individuals experiencing psychological crises. The original cooperation agreement between the police and the crisis service, established in 2011, has now been revised and updated to reflect current needs and best practices.
Broader Context of Mental Health Support
This development in Berlin aligns with broader efforts to improve mental health support and suicide prevention. Related initiatives include:
- Suicide Prevention Act: Expected to be introduced next year, indicating a national focus on this critical issue.
- Bavaria’s Crisis Hotlines: Reported nearly 100,000 calls, highlighting the significant demand for crisis intervention services.
- Community Psychiatric Basic Care: Proven effective in managing severe mental illnesses, underscoring the value of integrated care models.
- Suicide Prevention: The Federal Ministry of Health (BMG) is actively working on a draft law, further demonstrating governmental commitment.
The renewed partnership in Berlin is a proactive step towards ensuring that individuals in psychological distress receive timely and appropriate care, minimizing risks and promoting better outcomes through inter-agency cooperation.
Resources for Support
If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, free help is available. In Germany, you can contact the emergency number 112, the Telefonseelsorge at 0800/1110111, and the Info-Telefon Depression at 0800/3344 533. Further information and addresses can be found at www.deutsche-depressionshilfe.de.
Source: dpa
