The meanwhile established approach of using data from the Federal Central Register (of criminal records) to develop statistical foundations for reconviction research has proven successful. This has resulted in the creation of a tool that generates stable results across various data collection waves: About one-third of offenders are re-convicted within three years. Extending the observation period to nine years leads to a significant increase in the reconviction rate. Depending on factors such as age, gender, type of sanction, and prior convictions, differential base rates for recidivism can be established. The Central Register data also opens up new possibilities: On the one hand, a nationwide database structured by regional court districts can be created to serve as a framework for sentencing decisions in criminal law. On the other hand, the data allow for the representation of key areas that are missing in criminal justice statistics, such as diversionary decisions in juvenile criminal law and decisions regarding probation and supervision.