The LZPD NRW has been offering the dual degree course in Administrative Informatics (B.Sc.) since 2020 and has since been able to recruit over 50 future IT specialists.
During their studies at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences, students complete several practical phases at the LZPD NRW in Duisburg: a practical year during the third and fourth semesters, a further phase in the eighth semester, during which the Bachelor's thesis is also written, as well as several shorter practical phases during the semester break. These shorter phases usually last six to eight weeks.
The shorter practical phases in particular pose special challenges for the authority, as all students are on site at the same time, need to be supervised, are looking for exciting tasks and need a place to work in peace. Previously, they were assigned to different organizational units where they received individual support. However, as the number of students grew, things slowly became tight.
That is why the LZPD NRW has now broken new ground and set up a practical project. The idea behind it: to enable students to work in a practical way by meeting real-life requirements. The aim was to familiarize them with new technologies, give them an insight into the work of the authorities, prepare them for the coming semesters at the university - and at the same time develop useful software solutions for the LZPD NRW and the NRW police.
For the project, two degree courses were mixed and divided into groups. Both groups were given the task of developing two web applications based on a rough technological framework: a room booking application and a fee calculator for police officers.
After the first week was dedicated to introductory events and team-building measures, the students then had five weeks to develop the two web applications from scratch, with expert guidance of course.
The project groups were able to impress with their excellent work at a major closing event. The applications are now being further developed so that they can be used in the secure police network.
Colleagues from a wide range of departments in the LZPD NRW and from the district police authorities got involved in the innovative approach and supported the junior staff with their knowledge. For our authority, the introduction of the administrative informatics course was an important investment in the future, which can sustainably counteract the shortage of specialists in the IT sector. Even during their practical training, students can create real added value for the LZPD NRW and the NRW police force.