The Bundesrat -the ‘Federal Council’ that represents the sixteen German states at the federal level- is calling for the expedited implementation of the data analysis platform Palantir as a temporary solution for police operations across Germany. This initiative follows the successful pilot program conducted by the Bavarian police, which concluded its testing phase and has been operational since December 25, 2024.

Bavaria’s pilot program, known as VeRA (verfahrensübergreifende Recherche- und Analyseplattform, “cross-procedural research and analysis platform”), ran from September 2 to December 24, 2024. The platform has integrated various data sources, including the state’s case processing system (VBS), the case management system (FBS), and the police search database (INPOL-Land-Bayern), alongside relevant communication for national messaging (EPost). Additionally, important data fields from the operational management system (ELS) and the traffic regulation processing program (ProVi) have also been connected for analytical purposes. The system can continue to grow, with further data sources being added based on the analytical needs of the police departments.

The push for a nationwide implementation of Palantir comes as the Federal Council seeks to address significant gaps in the ability of police forces at both federal and state levels to process, integrate, and analyze information effectively. The Bundesrat highlighted that individuals with mental health issues have increasingly been linked to violent crimes, emphasizing the need for timely identification and assessment of behavioral patterns and risks.

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