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S7 E6 · Chase in the Darkness
Night patrol is a documentary TV series that premiered on SWR Fernsehen on October 14, 2020. It has 8 seasons and 46 episodes so far and is still airing new episodes. The latest episode, Season 7 Episode 6 "Chase in the Darkness", aired on September 16, 2026.
Every night, the Mainz police teams go out into the unknown - to help, calm down, de-escalate, make arrests or take a close look at crimes and deaths. They often expect unusual missions. The SWR documentary series provides an exclusive and unadulterated insight into the demanding work of the Mainz police. It shows the police officers behind the uniform.
Last updated
46 episodes · 8 seasons
2020 · 6 episodes · Last episode: 5 years ago
Whether it’s permanent criminal duty, police or motorway police – the challenges are diverse and demanding. The documentary series “Night Patrol” accompanies Mainz police officers on their nighttime operations and provides an authentic insight into their work.
Night patrol Mainz release dates →
E6
A lot to do that night: The search for a stalker is underway, a young drug victim is being examined and a confused man is crouching aimlessly under a lamppost while a car rushes into the tram tracks.
E5
Brawl in front of a club: Commissioner Katharina Klüpfel and Michael Kirch are called to a club. They resolve the argument among several drunk and aggressive men, but suddenly the mood changes...
E4
Inspectors Udo Hotz and Omar Meftah from the Heidesheim motorway station have just confiscated a driver's license when they are called to an exciting chase.
E3
Funny costumes and lots of alcohol. The Old Town Guard has a lot to do during Carnival in Mainz. Does the llama go for walks with his own garbage can or is it stolen? Police Commissioner Jung investigates the matter.
E2
On the run with a hammer: Inspector Jung and her boss Enders pursue a perpetrator in Mainz's old town. Back at the station things get difficult: a rioting prisoner screams like he's out of his mind.
E1
Commissioners Neuhaus and Gillot are supposed to investigate two deaths. A man suddenly dies at home and a young man dies from his crossbow. Foreign influence? This death is very close to the detectives' minds.
2022 · 6 episodes · Last episode: 3 years ago
“Night Patrol 2.0” consciously tells the police’s everyday life from the perspective of those who experience it. This makes the series and its protagonists approachable and authentic. The camera is up close during police operations. In the second season, the officers from the first season can be seen again, but there are also a few changes. For example, at the old town guard in the Mainz 1 police station: 44-year-old police chief inspector Jan Enders is still on duty, who now looks after security in Mainz's old town with his 24-year-old colleague Lena Bottlender. Chief Detective Dominic Gillot (45) and 27-year-old Detective Inspector Nils Neuhaus solve their last cases together, as Neuhaus will soon be leaving the Permanent Criminal Police Service (KDD) to move to the State Criminal Police Office. A mixed team then investigates in the KDD with the 25-year-old detective inspector Melina Reisel and the 32-year-old Thomas Schwarz.
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E6
A restless night for the KDD: First the investigative team is called to an armed robbery at a gas station, then a break-in at a scrapyard is reported. They find a suspicious car near the crime scene and discover several bolt cutters in the trunk.
E5
The KDD is called to a break-in in downtown Mainz. The victim is missing a weapon. He knows the alleged perpetrator and suspects that he is planning further attacks. Meanwhile, in the city center, a motorcycle gang is making the streets unsafe, and the Old Town Guard is in pursuit.
E4
The highway police have to secure an accident scene in the middle of the night. A deer lies run over on the road. The situation is risky, also because a car is racing towards the officers without braking. The old town guard is also called to a dangerous mission: a robbery with several people injured.
E3
An alarming radio message reaches the Old Town Guard team. Shots are said to have been fired in a Mainz residential area in the middle of the night. To protect themselves, the officers have a dog with them, which could more easily overpower an armed perpetrator.
E2
Nighttime search operation for the Mainz Old Town Guard: Will they find the boy in time who announced his suicide after an argument? Meanwhile, the criminal investigation service makes a grisly discovery: a badly decomposed corpse in a house completely littered with rubbish.
E1
A turbulent night in Mainz: Alcohol and riots determine the police operations. In front of a nightclub, the old town guard has to mediate between bouncers and a very drunk guest. And the KDD is called to a body found at a bus stop.
2024 · 6 episodes · Last episode: 2 years ago
The third season of “Night Patrol” offers an exclusive and unadulterated insight into the demanding and challenging work of the Mainz police. From the dramatic robbery of the occupants of a car to a physical attack on the driver of a transport service, disturbing burglaries in apartments, characters of the night unleashed by alcohol, to bizarre traffic offenses - the audience is there first-hand when the police and the permanent criminal service work the night shift line up and go on real missions. “Night Patrol” shows the people behind the uniform. What challenges do they face? How do you feel when you make the city a little safer night after night? The police officers are shown as they really are: as people who do their job with conviction, who are trained professionals and who want to come home healthy after a shift.
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E6
On New Year's Eve the radio message comes in: a break-in at a school. The police arrived quickly on site, but the area was completely unclear in the darkness. When the police officers discover the burglars, a short chase ensues. It turns out that they are teenagers who wanted to have a little adventure. That same night, a car races through a 30 zone, with the two police officers Sebastian Obermeier and Dominik Muders following behind with flashing lights. You provide the driver. As they approach the vehicle, they notice a suspicious smell: marijuana. Examination of the occupants and the vehicle shows that these are not the only drugs they have with them. Meanwhile, the team of Michael Kirch and Paul Wiens is called upon to respond to an accident. The question of guilt is unclear and the statements contradict each other. The police team helps solve the car accident.
E5
Winter: The dark season is also the time of burglaries. The team from the permanent criminal service is called to a residential building in Mainz. Burglars stole thousands of euros there and took heirlooms. A traumatic experience for those injured. Not only valuables were stolen by the thieves; The fact that strangers were able to gain access to their own house and ransack everything in the bedroom also leaves those affected traumatized. Do the secured traces lead investigators Melina Reisel and Kevin Gugenheimer from the Criminal Investigation Service (KDD) to the perpetrators? The team Sarah Schräder and Jonas Horder are called to an accident in the city center. The car was pretty much wrecked and the driver got away with a black eye. However, the novice driver was drunk. He must therefore hand over his driving license during the probationary period.
E4
The 11.11. in Mainz, carnival, state of emergency in the carnival stronghold! Both teams from the Mainz 1 police station are on duty that night. Lena Bottlender and her colleague Gerwin Schwiersch, Sarah Schräder with Jonas Horder. The 11.11. It's a very special night for the four of them, there are a lot of people out and about and many of them are heavily drunk. Crimes, crimes and misdemeanors are increasing. The two patrol teams rush from operation to operation in their police cars with flashing lights. Sarah Schräder and Jonas Horder find themselves in the middle of an argument between a group of young people and an older man. The fact that the latter of all people resists and becomes verbally abusive almost upsets even the otherwise calm duo - and puts the man in police custody. Both teams are called to a burglary - a rather unusual operation on Carnival. At the crime scene, the situation puzzles them.
E3
A drunk man riots at a gas station in Mainz. The employee calls the police. When the police officers arrived on site with flashing lights, the man continued to behave aggressively and unreasonably. A scuffle ensued until the police handcuffed the man and calmed him down. Meanwhile, the two police commissioners Sarah Schräder and Jonas Horder are still looking for the missing girl on the banks of the Rhine. After an extensive search in the dark, they finally find the distraught girl. She was beaten and needs to be checked in hospital for injuries. There is trouble in front of a club in downtown Mainz. The bouncer called the police because a group of young men were rowdying and behaving aggressively. The patrol team Lena Bottländer and Gerwin Schwiersch have to call for reinforcements; they cannot handle the situation alone.
E2
Quick intervention is required when this radio message comes in: choking attack on an Uber driver. When the police team Sarah Schräder and Jonas Horder arrive at the scene in downtown Mainz, a man has another man under his control. The situation is completely opaque. The team has to react immediately: It turns out that the man lying on the ground is heavily drunk and very aggressive. He's the one who attacked the Uber driver. His friend holds him. The Uber driver complains of severe pain in his neck. Why the choking attack occurred remains unclear. During the night another radio message comes in: A girl is looking for her friend. Both were attacked and beaten by men on the banks of the Rhine. The girls fled in different directions. Now the worry is great: Where is the girlfriend?
E1
A series of arsons shakes downtown Mainz. Two radio messages come in one after the other that night: Garbage cans are burning in residential areas. The flames threaten to spread to the houses. The police have to be on site quickly. The two police commissioners Sarah Schräder and Jonas Horder try to get the fire under control before the fire department arrives. Meanwhile, another garbage can is burning in the neighborhood. The Mainz Fire Devil has been causing mischief for months. When the fire was extinguished, the team from the Mainz 1 Police Department began looking for the perpetrator. Several identity checks are scheduled that night. Meanwhile, the Neustadtwache Mainz team receives a tragic radio message: a man is lying lifeless in a pool of blood. Next to him is a gun. Here, too, the police officers have to be on site quickly and clarify: Is this a crime, a murder or is this a suicide that the patrol officers find?
2025 · 5 episodes · Last episode: 1 year ago
The "Night Patrol" is coming to the north with the NDR: From August 2024, the successful SWR documentary series was also filmed in Hamburg. The four episodes that were created provide exclusive insights into the police work of the Hanseatic city. The "Night Patrol" stands for an authentic and unadulterated insight into the demanding and challenging work of the police officers. From the Davidwache to Bergedorf In Hamburg, ten officers are accompanied - on their nightly missions on duty at the Davidwache in St. Pauli, with the water police at the port of Hamburg, in the permanent criminal investigation service and with the police at the police stations in Hamm and Bergedorf. The documentary series shows up close the people behind the uniform, who are repeatedly confronted with dangerous and challenging situations in their duties.
Night patrol Hamburg release dates →
E5
Wasserschutzpolizei officers find something large and hazardous floating in the Elbe River, posing a risk to shipping traffic that they must quickly secure and resolve. Other units are involved in overseeing the transfer of a deceased person, showing the varied nature of nighttime duties.
E4
During a routine traffic stop, officers in Hamburg‑Hamm discover a driver who is not only intoxicated but also being actively sought by police — leading to heightened tension and an arrest. At the same time, patrol officers from the Davidwache encounter an unexpected situation when a passersby alerts them to something involving a child.
E3
A violent incident at a petrol station in Bergedorf prompts a search for a suspect at night, highlighting how officers coordinate and respond under low‑visibility conditions. Meanwhile, another unit from the water police is called to investigate a possible contamination incident in the port — adding complexity to the night’s workload.
E2
Police patrols on Hamburg’s famous nightlife street grapple with rowdy crowds, intoxicated individuals, and public disturbances. The episode shows how officers balance maintaining safety with de‑escalation in a busy entertainment district.
E1
Officers from the Kriminaldauerdienst (KDD) and patrol units are deployed after reports of a man firing shots from his apartment window. While the detectives and specialists manage this dangerous situation, other officers deal with everyday police work including handling crimes in the red‑light district around St. Pauli.
2025 · 6 episodes · Last episode: 1 year ago
With the 5th season, “Night Patrol” returns to the Mainz police headquarters. A further six episodes of the SWR series have been filmed in Mainz from April 2024 till August 2024.
Night patrol Mainz release dates →
E6
A seemingly minor disturbance at a Christopher Street Day event becomes more complex when one party alleges harassment. Meanwhile, officers provide first aid to a man attacked with pepper spray, confront civilians undermining authority, and search for a vulnerable elderly man missing from his care facility. This episode highlights empathy and careful judgment alongside routine police work.
E5
In Mainz’s lively nightlife district, officers are called to de‑escalate a weekend brawl. Elsewhere, highway patrol conducts routine safety checks and uncovers vehicles driving without lights. Police teams simultaneously manage multiple disorderly calls citywide, including allegations of harassment and racially abusive behaviour, showing how quickly routine patrols can intensify.
E4
Teams deal with challenging calls in the rain‑soaked streets of Mainz, including securing a scene after a frontal collision and calming bystanders whose intoxication complicates traffic control. Officers also handle a sensitive domestic violence situation at a community festival and other everyday offences like intercepting reckless driving and responding to petty theft.
E3
Criminal investigators are called to an apartment where a middle‑aged man is found dead in puzzling circumstances, triggering a thorough forensic inquiry including a medical examiner’s involvement. Meanwhile, other patrols deal with unrelated incidents such as a fire initially thought to be arson, which turns out to involve domestic conflict.
E2
Officers handle several unusual night calls: a supposed break‑in at a club turns out to involve a drunken couple trying to sneak in, and another team uncovers an odd case of water theft from the city supply. At a riverside wine festival, drunken behaviour complicates a property damage call, and a report of a colleague in a possible psychological crisis demands calm judgement from responding officers.
E1
Mainz police respond to an armed robbery at a petrol station where the attendant was threatened and traumatized. The criminal investigation team and other patrol units launch an extensive search for the suspect, while other officers investigate related incidents such as suspicious behaviour during traffic stops.
2026 · 5 episodes · Last episode: 8 months ago
In the 6th season of the ARD documentary series Nachtstreife, the focus once again is on the Hamburg police. Six response teams, featuring both familiar and new faces, provide insight into their nightly routines. Police officers from various precincts, the Criminal Investigation Department, and the 'Auto Poser Unit' show how diverse, demanding, and often emotional police work can be in a major city. From suspected arson to daring burglary cases, and even a tragic discovery of a body, the Hamburg police handle a wide range of incidents.
Night patrol Hamburg release dates →
E5
A brothel client claims he has been cheated by a sex worker. Altona police officers Marlene Ebert and Kenneth Tamm attempt to confront the woman with the allegations. Meanwhile, Sophia Rühlemann and Sebastian Fuchs respond to a report of domestic violence. A woman is being threatened by her partner. Will the officers find the man still at the scene?
E4
Katrin Kernig and Michael Walther from the criminal investigation on-call unit are faced with an unusual case: a truck driver has been robbed by suspects posing as police officers. The two begin their investigation at the scene. Meanwhile, Sophia Rühlemann and Sebastian Fuchs are dispatched to an incident at a refugee accommodation. Chaos awaits them on arrival. A man has been seriously injured, and the attacker is still unknown. Until paramedics arrive, the officers are forced to improvise.
E3
Lena Priebusch and Eric Zeitschel are on duty on the Kiez when they come across an injured man in need of help. Was it an accident, a robbery, or a violent dispute? They must quickly determine what really happened. Meanwhile, Timo Marzahn and Malte Hübner from the traffic unit targeting illegal street racing are patrolling the city center. A very special car has caught their attention - but is the Mustang actually allowed to be driven on the streets of the Hanseatic city?
E2
Residents of an apartment building are jolted awake in the middle of the night when several cars go up in flames in the parking lot outside. Was it arson? Police officers Kenneth Tamm and Marlene Ebert from Altona secure the area, warn residents, and begin their initial investigation. Meanwhile, a night of partying on the Reeperbahn ends abruptly for a young woman in the back of an ambulance. The suspicion: someone may have slipped a date-rape drug into her drink. Officers Lena Priebusch and Eric Zeitschel from the Davidwache take over the case.
E1
Police officers Sophia Rühlemann and Sebastian Fuchs from Hamburg-Hamm are chasing a burglar who is believed to be hiding somewhere inside a vast office complex. A reckless escape attempt suddenly puts the officers in a dangerous and challenging situation. At the same time, the criminal investigation unit is on its way to a mysterious death. A young man has collapsed and died unexpectedly in the middle of the street. Investigators Katrin Kernig and Michael Walther begin searching for answers, trying to piece together what really happened.
2026 · 6 episodes · Last episode: 1 month ago
With the 7th season, “Night Patrol” returns to the Mainz police headquarters. Produced by SWR, filming started at the end of February '25 and was completed on June 19th 2025. (SWR)
Night patrol Mainz release dates →
E6
Police officers Jonas Horder and Maximilian Hagel are alerted to a suspected drunk driver who has caused significant damage throughout downtown Mainz. With his vehicle barely roadworthy, a dangerous pursuit begins as the officers follow the trail of debris left behind. Meanwhile, Sebastian Obermeier and Lara Schlosser respond to a tense family-related incident. A woman's ex-partner is caught tampering with the car of her new partner, leading to a confrontation before the police arrive. The officers must carefully manage the situation and try to prevent it from escalating further.
E5
At Mainz Central Station, officers Sebastian Obermeier and Lara Schlosser deal with several incidents involving intoxicated people. A homeless man appears to have been assaulted without reason, while an underage girl is so drunk that she cannot safely make her way home. Her parents refuse to pick her up, leaving the officers to ensure her safety. Meanwhile, Jonas Horder and Maximilian Hagel respond to an emergency along the Rhine, where a young man has entered the dangerous river during a festival. With strong currents and whirlpools making the situation extremely hazardous, the officers must act quickly.
E4
A woman reports her ex-boyfriend to the police, making serious allegations against him. Detectives from the Criminal Investigation Unit carefully investigate the case, including questioning the suspect and gathering forensic evidence. Both sides present very different accounts of what happened. Meanwhile, officers Lena Bottlender and Gerwin Schwiersch respond to an emergency involving three young women who may be in danger on a bridge over the Rhine. Police, firefighters, rescue workers, and the water police work together in a large-scale operation.
E3
A car dealership goes up in flames, causing millions in damage. Detectives Nils Jung and Thomas Schwarz investigate whether the fire may have been deliberately started. The dealership manager suspects a former employee may be responsible, and the team examines surveillance footage for clues. Meanwhile, officers Sebastian Obermeier and Lara Schlosser respond to an armed robbery involving a scooter rider who threatened a man and demanded his money and bank card. The police launch an urgent search for the suspect, with indications that the incident may be connected to a series of similar robberies.
E2
For police officers Lena Enzweiler and Said Rahman Nasheed, a routine call turns into a puzzling situation when they encounter a silent and unresponsive man walking along the shoulder of a highway at night. They take him to the station to establish his identity and try to understand what happened to him. Meanwhile, detectives Thomas Schwarz and Nils Jung investigate a suspected case of domestic violence after finding blood traces in an apartment building. The investigation quickly becomes more mysterious as they follow the evidence through the building.
E1
Police in Mainz respond to a chaotic incident at a shared apartment, where several people appear to be seriously injured. The officers must quickly assess the situation and determine what happened. Meanwhile, outside a nightclub, officers encounter a young man who has been confronted by security staff after an alleged incident involving a woman. The woman is experiencing a severe panic attack, and the police try to calm her and de-escalate the situation.
6 episodes
The popular ARD documentary series Nachtstreife is expanding its 8th season to include Ludwigshafen in Rhineland-Palatinate, alongside its previous locations in Mainz and Hamburg. Filming began on December 8, 2025, and will follow six police teams from the Ludwigshafen 1 and 2 stations, as well as the Criminal Investigation Service, until March 2026. Officers will wear body cameras and take the film crew along on their night shifts, offering a close-up view of police work in the city. The new season, produced by SWR, is expected to air in 2027. (SWR)
Night patrol Ludwigshafen release dates → +6 upcoming episodes with air dates still to be announced. Get notifiedA date for the next episode of Night patrol hasn't been announced yet. Follow Night patrol in the Streambay app and you'll be notified as soon as a new episode airs.
The most recent episode of Night patrol, Season 7 Episode 6 "Chase in the Darkness", aired on September 16, 2026.
Night patrol has 8 seasons with 46 episodes in total.
Night patrol first aired on SWR Fernsehen on October 14, 2020.
Download the Streambay app, follow Night patrol, and you'll get a push notification the moment each new episode is released.
7.2
5.6
4.8
10.0
8.2
S1 · E552 3 months ago
7.6
6.1
7.1
8.4
10.0
S18 · E260 4 years ago
6.3
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