The relation between criminology and penal policy is discussed, and political influences on the new face of crime that is emerging in Germany is examined. Two different criminological strategies are identified: (1) positivist school of criminology; and (2) emphasis on normative aspects of crime rather than on behavioral aspects. The roots of criminology in political and administrative requirements are considered, and theoretical explanations of hate crimes in Germany are offered. Limits of criminology and the influence of economic factors on crime are considered. The author concludes that criminology may not be adequate as a discipline to explain the complexity of criminal interactions and that criminology should draw heavily on perspectives of other disciplines. 21 references