Preventing Violent Extremism and Strengthening Democracy – Civic Education in Law Enforcement and Policing in Germany

Abstract

Europe is currently threatened by extremism and terrorism. That is why there is a need for a response by well-trained Law Enforcement officers – among others in the field of preventing violent extremism. Facing this challenge Law Enforcement training tries to professionalize the officers by providing civic education and knowledge about extremist threats and prevention strategies. As it is shown by the example of the Lower Saxon Political Crime Prevention Unit such efforts are inspired by various European Law Enforcement authorities, e.g. by the Danish SSP-approach. The article in terms of a research note describes recent strategies and capabilities of civic education in order to prevent violent extremism and strengthening democracy.