22. July 2025 / 18:30 - 20:00 pm / Main building of the University Bonn, ballroom („Festsaal“)

Whether in Bochum, Bonn or Bergisch Gladbach, our city centers are central meeting places for social interaction. But how safe are they - and how safe do they feel? The subjective perception of safety in particular influences whether people go out in the evening, use public transport or visit the city center without worrying. It is also crucial for trust in state institutions and in society.

This shows that the actual crime situation and the feeling of safety often diverge. According to police statistics, the number of crimes in Bonn, for example, has fallen in some areas and risen in others in recent years. At the same time, there are places where many people feel uncomfortable or at risk. Knife crime in particular remains an important issue in NRW. The police are responding in many places with an increased presence, bans on carrying weapons against prolific offenders and prevention work in schools and youth centers.

How is the security situation developing in NRW's inner cities and what special features are we observing in Bonn? How can the differences between actual security and subjective perceptions be explained? How can state policy and urban societies respond to security concerns without losing sight of essential basic rights and liberal values?

Registration for the event is not required.

Greeting:
Dr. Enrico Fels, Managing Director of CASSIS

Panel:
Jörn Freynik, FDP Politician

Tobias Henn, Head of Security Management at the University of Bonn

KHK Dr. Kai Seidensticker, criminologist & sociologist at the LKA

PHK Robert Wahl tbc, GABI-Wache Bonn

Moderation:
Iris Müller, Friedrich-Naumann-Stiftung für die Freiheit