Forensic Psychiatry in Cologne-Porz: Behind walls and dangers!

Forensic Psychiatry in Cologne-Porz: Behind walls and dangers!

There is an important topic in the Cologne suburbs that is always a topic of discussion: forensic psychiatry. In the Cologne city area, the two facilities in Cologne-Porz and Cologne-Merheim are responsible for the treatment of mentally ill offenders. In particular, the Forensic Psychiatry I at the LVR Clinic in Porz stands out. It is a highly secure hospital that opened in 2009 on the site of former Belgian barracks and can accommodate 150 male patients in six wards. But the reality is often different: the clinic is often overcrowded, the average length of stay for patients is seven to eight years, and there are always incidents that shock the public.

A look at the security precautions shows that there is actually a lot at stake here. An attempt is made to minimize the dangers with five meter high walls, thick bars, a lock system and complete video surveillance. But it still happens that a patient has strangled and killed another. And in June 2024, an inmate even managed to escape from the clinic. It's such events that have left residents worried, especially after protests erupted at the clinic's opening amid fears of possible outbreaks.

The challenges in treatment

In recent years in particular, there has been increasing discussion about the treatment of mentally ill criminals. A survey of 78 German clinics shows that many facilities suffer from overcrowding and treatment is severely limited due to a lack of staff and inadequate facilities. The circumstances are no different in Cologne-Porz; Around 90 percent of patients suffer from schizophrenia and the therapy often has family and social contexts. The aim is to rehabilitate high-risk patients with psychopathic disorders, but the system has its limits. A detailed investigation into the treatment situation in prisons and psychiatric care is urgently needed, according to the experts from the German Society for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy (DGPPN) DGPPN reports that ....

In addition to the practical challenges, there are also legal questions that are causing unrest. Politicians are proposing a register for mentally ill offenders, which experts see as problematic. The conflict between the need for an improved security situation and the protection of the privacy of those affected is palpable. Andreas Benecke from the Federal Chamber of Psychotherapists sees these demands as backwards and is supported by experts who place more emphasis on prevention and treatment instead of registration Tagesschau reports that ....

The way forward

The future of forensic psychiatry in Cologne lies in balance. Experts like Prof. Dr. Jürgen Müller is urgently calling for reforms to create a uniform legal basis and improve financing. In its current form, the system is inadequate and often results in patients staying in the hospital for an unreasonable amount of time without any real improvement in their situation.

Despite all the challenges, forensic psychiatry remains a central component of public healthcare in Cologne-Porz. It is up to everyone involved to find solutions that meet the needs of patients and society. Ultimately, the majority of men who are treated here should not be classified as generally more dangerous, but should be given a chance for rehabilitation and integration KStA reports that ....