BLADE – Situation report and file analysis to identify the need for action in response to knife assaults

Project duration: 01.01.2026 – 31.12.2027

Description

The BLADE research project arose from a resolution passed at the 94th Conference of state justice ministers on November 10, 2023.

The aim of the BLADE project is to generate comprehensive, empirical findings on the phenomenon of knife assaults in Germany. A specific focus will be on subgroups of knife assaults and the risk factors for committing such crimes. The first work package entails a comprehensive national overview of knife assaults in Germany, based on raw data from the German Police Crime Statistics, taking into account the type and number of recorded crimes involving knives, specific characteristics of the crimes, investigation results, characteristics of the suspects, offender-victim relationships, and other systematic patterns. The second work package consists of a nationwide analysis of closed criminal proceedings regarding knife assaults in public spaces in Germany. This method is particularly suitable for identifying characteristics of offenders and victims, specific risk factors for committing crimes involving knives as well as judicial practices regarding such cases. In addition to the quantitative evaluation of files, the third work package will involve the qualitative evaluation of specific knife assaults that have shaped public debate in Germany, providing insight into the exact course of events and the background to the offence.

The project will thus fundamentally supplement and expand the knowledge base on the phenomenon of knife assaults, thereby identifying prevention and intervention options for the police and the judiciary.

Contact

Prof. Dr. Martin Rettenberger
Dr. Sebastian Sobota
Katharina Burkart
Demian Frank
Jill Manhart
Maeve Moosburner