Overview
- Hesse police recorded 6,260 children and adolescents as suspects in violent incidents in 2024, a 67.4% increase from 2020.
- About 1,860 of the 2024 suspects were younger than 14.
- In 2020, authorities registered roughly 3,740 such suspects, including 820 under 14.
- The vast majority of incidents among under-14s were classed as Rohheitsdelikte such as robbery, bodily harm or threats, while investigations into crimes against life in this group occurred only once or twice per year.
- The figures come from the state government’s answer to a parliamentary inquiry by independent MP Sascha Herr, and officials highlight prevention programs for youths.