Reza Kazemi

“I've always had the instinct to protect people, even as a kid. I think that's why I became a police officer.”

Reza may be an Iranian transplant to Berlin, but he's embraced the city as his own. He's been serving as a police officer for the past nine years, ever since he made the move from Tehran. As a teenager, he was fascinated by the crime novels of Raymond Chandler and Agatha Christie, and always dreamed of being a detective. Reza is now one of the most respected officers in his precinct, known for his cool head and quick thinking in tight spots. In his free time, he likes to search for the perfect döner kebab in Berlin and take long bike rides along the Spree.

What's the toughest case you've worked on?

There was a case where someone had stolen from a jewelry store and left behind absolutely no clues. We had to do a lot of legwork and tap into our network of informants to finally get a lead. It took a long time, but we were able to catch the thief.

What's the biggest misconception people have about police officers?

I think people often forget that we're human beings too. Sure, we're trained to deal with high-pressure situations, but we're still susceptible to emotions and stress. I wish more people would see the human side of police work.

What advice would you give to someone considering joining the police force?

Have a strong sense of empathy. You need to be able to put yourself in other people's shoes and think about what they're going through. It's not just about enforcing the law, but about helping people in difficult situations.