Forensic psychiatry in Cologne-Porz: behind walls and dangers!

Forensic psychiatry in Cologne-Porz: behind walls and dangers!

In the Cologne suburb there is an important topic that always ensures discussion material: forensic psychiatry. In the Cologne city area, the two institutions in Cologne-Porz and Cologne-Merheim are responsible for the treatment of mentally ill criminals. In particular, forensic psychiatry I of the LVR Clinic in Porz stands out. It is a highly secured hospital that opened on the site of former Belgian barracks in 2009 and offers space for 150 male patients at six stations. But the reality often looks different: the clinic is often overcrowded, the length of stay of the patients is an average of seven to eight years, and there are always incidents that shake the public.

A look at the security precautions shows that there is actually a lot at stake here. With five meters high walls, thick bars, a lock system and complete video surveillance, an attempt is made to minimize the dangers. But still it happens that one patient strangled and killed another. And in June 2024, an occupant even escaped from the clinic. Such events that leave the residents worried, especially after there were protests at the opening of the clinic due to the fear of possible outbreaks.

The challenges in treatment

Especially in recent years there have been increasing discussions about the treatment of mentally ill criminals. A survey of 78 German clinics shows that many facilities suffer from overcrowding and that treatment is severely restricted by lack of personnel and poor space. The circumstances are no different in Cologne-Porz; About 90 percent of patients suffer from schizophrenia and therapy often has family and social contexts. The aim is to rehabilitate risk patients with psychopatic disorders, but the system reaches limits. A detailed investigation into the treatment situation in correctional facilities and psychiatric care is urgently necessary, according to the experts from the German Society for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy (DGPPN) [DGPPN reports that …] (Https://www.dgppn.de/presse/pressemitteilungen/Pressemitteilungen-2022/psychisch-steischen-straftaeter.html).

In addition to the practical challenges, there are also legal questions that cause unrest. Politicians propose a register for mentally ill criminals, which is considered problematic by experts. The conflict between the need for an improved security situation and the protection of the privacy of those affected is noticeable. Andreas Benecke from the Federal Psychotherapist Chamber sees these claims as backward and is supported by experts who place more value on prevention and treatment instead of registration Tagesschau reports that ....

The way forward

The future of forensic psychiatry in Cologne is in balance. Experts like Prof. Dr. Jürgen Müller urgently call for reforms to create a uniform legal basis and to improve financing. In the current form, the system is inadequate and often leads to patients in the clinic inappropriately without really improving their situation.