Austria's prisons at the limit: 120% occupancy in Linz endangers security!

Austria's prisons at the limit: 120% occupancy in Linz endangers security!

Overcrowding in Austria's prisons has increased significantly in recent years. According to current reports from the today.at The occupancy rate in many prisons is between 83 and 120 percent. The situation is particularly serious in the Linz prison, with an alarming occupancy rate of 120 percent, while Vienna-Mittersteig has the lowest occupancy rate at 83 percent.

The detailed figures show that the prisons are reaching their limits. Other institutions such as Eisenstadt, Graz-Karlau and Salzburg also have high occupancy rates, with Salzburg leading the way with 116 percent. A look at the numbers reveals a worrying development:

• Justizanstalt Linz: 120%
• Wien-Josefstadt: 113%
• Eisenstadt: 111%
• Salzburg: 116%
• Hirteberg: 107%

Shortage of staff and rising costs

The personnel data in the judicial security service show that the number of employees increased from 3,792 in 2019 to 3,927 in 2024. Nevertheless, 192 positions remain unfilled, a circumstance that is described as a security risk by FPÖ National Councilor Christian Lausch. Given the situation, he is calling for 500 additional officers to ensure security in the overcrowded facilities. Lausch even describes the situation in the Vienna-Josefstadt prison as a “powder keg” due to overcrowding and the lack of employment for the inmates.

Financial expenditure on the penal system has also increased significantly, from 506.95 million euros in 2019 to 753.77 million euros in 2024. A development that is worth monitoring, because an increasing budget also means major challenges for the judiciary.

Inmates and employment

Over the years, an average of 5,144 prisoners were employed per year. But the employment rate in many institutions, especially in Vienna-Josefstadt, is below 70% - a frightening result. The figures show that in Vienna-Josefstadt, for example, only 27% of the inmates were employed, while in Asten the rate looks significantly better at 91%. The average length of employment per prisoner is also interesting:

• Wien-Josefstadt: 1,78 Stunden
• Garsten: 4,74 Stunden
• Sonderanstalt am Münnichplatz: 5,64 Stunden

These grievances pose major challenges for those responsible. The question arises as to how Justice Minister Anna Sporrer (SPÖ) will react to the critical response from FPÖ MP Christian Lausch. Would a reform for more employment and less overcrowding ease the situation?

It remains to be seen what measures will be taken to relieve the overcrowded prisons. What is clear is that there is a need for action – not only for the safety of the inmates, but also for that of society as a whole.

At the end of all considerations, it seems clear: the pressure to act is high in Austria's prisons and it is up to those responsible to set the course for a better future.