Center for
criminological
research
Saxony e.V. (ZKFS)
The criminological research institute ZKFS is a unique institution in Saxony for basic and practice-oriented criminological research. In our research projects, we regularly examine the development of crime, how crime is perceived by the population and how society deals with crime. We publish our research findings in scientific journals, reports for the interested public, lectures and through social media. In this way, we make an important contribution to a fact-based public understanding of crime.
About the ZKFS
Are you interested in our work? Please use our contact form for inquiries or subscribe to our newsletter.
Our research projects focus on the description, explanation, impact and perception of crime, criminal prosecution and criminal sanctions.
"Criminological research makes an important contribution to the social debate on crime, prevention and intervention."
Prof. Dr. Frank Asbrock – Director of the ZKFS
News from criminology research
ZKFS scientist Aileen Krumma in an MDR interview: Why mothers kill their babies? – “They are acts of desperation”
Mothers killing their babies is a very, very rare offense, say psychologists. But the public response to every infanticide is
ZKFS Colloquium: “Criminalization processes and criminal justice culture: Why we punish and how this is changing”
On 10.03.2025 from 16:15 the Center for Criminological Research Saxony invites you to a colloquium. Prof. Dr. Ralf Kölbel from
The Magdeburg attack: Why is it not terrorism?
Our experts Dr. Kristin Weber from the Centre for Criminological Research Saxony and Dr. Claas Pollmanns from the Chair of
The Saxon Prison Data Protection Act (SächsJVollzDSG) is a legal instrument that regulates the protection of personal data in the Saxon prison system at a statutory level. The
What role do modern media play in prisons? Do prisoners have access to newspapers, television or the Internet? How is it decided which media should be allowed and
In a society in which freedom is considered the greatest good, there is the question of how deprivation of liberty is perceived as a punishment. This project uses
The survey on the perception of hate crime, the penal system and sex work (HaSteX for short) is a representative survey of over 3,000 people in Germany. The
A central research question of the ZKFS is the perception of crime, offenders and criminality in the German population. The perception of crime and the associated threat perceptions
Project description: Houses of juvenile justice are facilities in which youth welfare services in criminal proceedings, the police and the public prosecutor’s office work together under one roof
Focus of our research
The work areas of the ZFKS can be divided into three main topics, which represent the comprehensive research spectrum and enable a clear structuring of the projects. They are interconnected: Research topics can cover one or more areas.
Crime: development & phenomena
Stigmatization & perception
Justice system
Crime: development & phenomena
We conduct research into all forms of violence that are relevant in a criminological context. These include individual violence, such as violence against partners or physical altercations, but also group-based violence,hate crime and terrorism.
Justice system
We investigate the practical realities of institutions such as the penal system as well as the implementation of criminal law and resocialization efforts. This also includes the question of the extent to which the administration of justice appears transparent and the general public feels informed about and trusts this system in the modern world.
Stigmatization and perception
We conduct research on the self-perception and external perception of individuals and groups, including the stigmatization and stereotyping of offenders and victims of crime.
The benefits of our research results
For scientists and academics: Access to comprehensive, up-to-date and relevant research results that will enrich your scientific work and studies and provide new insights.
For policymakers and legislators: Reports and analysis on crime trends and their causes, as well as evidence-based recommendations for policy decisions to help you develop and implement sound and effective policy measures.
For law enforcement agencies and the justice system: data and statistics on crime trends as well as research reports on effective prevention and intervention strategies to make your work more effective and targeted.
For non-governmental organizations (NGOs): in victim protection, prevention and rehabilitation, research findings on victim support and offender rehabilitation as well as success models and practice-oriented approaches to help you optimize your programs and improve victim support and offender rehabilitation.
For the public and media: comprehensible and reliable information that gives you a well-founded insight into crime issues and enables fact-based reporting and opinion-forming.
For schools, universities and training centers: guest lectures and expert talks as well as opportunities to participate in research projects that enrich your curricula and provide students with valuable hands-on experience.
For victims and perpetrators: Reliable information and access to support services to help you better manage your situation and find suitable support programs.
