Crime authors in exchange with the police: This is how tension arises!

Crime authors in exchange with the police: This is how tension arises!

Crime stories and true crime formats are very popular in Germany. Many authors attach great importance to presenting the facts precisely in their stories, which results in collaboration with the police in Baden-Württemberg. As the Rhine Palatinate reports, police authorities support the writers in their research-intensive work.

Nadine Kollmar from the Mannheim Police Headquarters explains that many authors make inquiries in order to obtain authentic information. These requests are typically handled over the phone, with tactical details not disclosed. Claudia Schmid, a crime novelist, even asked directly at a police station in Mannheim and was then appointed “Honorary Criminal Inspector”. She uses police information, but emphasizes that her works are entertainment and not a police manual.

Collaboration between authors and police

In addition, crime writers also contact the State Criminal Police Office (LKA) in Stuttgart. Alexandra Vischer from the LKA explains that authors can submit questionnaires, but internships are not offered. Police views on crime vary; While some stumble over inaccuracies, others let themselves be carried away by the excitement. The popular television crime drama “Tatort” is appreciated by some police officers, while others prefer to keep a certain distance from such stories.

Bestselling author Ingrid Noll shows a particular interest in the motives behind crimes and not just the perpetrators. In this context, the question also arises about the influence of true crime podcasts, which, according to Kollmar, represent both opportunities and challenges for the police. These formats could draw attention to unsolved crimes, but bring with them the risk of misunderstanding. Kollmar appeals to those responsible for such podcasts to handle information sensitively and to distinguish between entertainment and serious reporting.

An example of such a podcast is “ ARD Crime Time ", which deals with high-profile crimes. The episodes are based on intensive, months-long research by authors of the ARD format, with police authorities and public prosecutors exclusively opening their investigation files. The podcast places emphasis on in-depth research and a respectful approach to victims and relatives. The hosts Anne Eichhorn, Felix Gebhardt and Mattis Kießig present the criminalistic methods used to convict criminals. "ARD Crime Time" is published Saturdays, twice a month.

– Submitted by West-East media