The headquarters of the 16th police precinct were located at Hackescher Markt 1, and were responsible for the area between Münzstraße, Auguststraße, Artilleriestraße, and Dircksenstraße. A number of police officers were opposed to National Socialist policies and helped people at risk. Police officers from this precinct prevented the New Synagogue on Oranienburger Straße from being burned down during the pogrom of November 9, 1938. They stood up to the SA by pointing out it was a protected monument, and called the fire brigade to put out the flames.
Wilhelm Krützfeld was appointed chief of the 16th precinct in April 1937. He was transferred in 1940 and applied for early retirement in 1943. The head of the registration office, Willi Steuck, and the police officer Otto Bellgardt stamped forged identity papers and warned people of planned deportations. Otto Weidt knew police officers from the precinct and was also warned of upcoming raids on Jews.
