Vienna raises the alarm: Only 29 police inspections open on public holidays!

Vienna raises the alarm: Only 29 police inspections open on public holidays!

The Viennese police have decided to significantly reduce the opening times of 52 police inspections on Sundays and public holidays from July 2024. From this point on, citizens in the city can only report ads at 29 locations. According to a report by This measure will be based on the positive experiences of a recently carried out trial operation, which was started in October 2023. Instead of opening all 81 inspections around the clock as before, the focus is now on the expansion of the executive field service.

The police spokesman Anna Gut explained that the changes also have an impact on the opening times from Monday to Friday. These restrictions were already available from October 1, 2023, because only 29 inspections for citizens' concerns are left in the evening between 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. For comparison: Before that, 81 inspections were open throughout. In the context of this new regulation, however, it is ensured that at least one position around the clock is accessible to the population in each political district, such as My district reported.

comprehensive changes

The new regulation means that party traffic is severely restricted, especially on weekends and public holidays. As a result, citizens can no longer count on quick help and support. So far, this was possible at any time at all 81 police stations, but after the changeover, only in the 29 designated places in the city on Thursday night and before public holidays will be accepted. This could be a certain security risk for the population, a concern that is expressed in particular by FPÖ boss Dominik Nepp and other critics.

The FPÖ politician spoke of a "severe blow against the feeling of security of the population" and the union is also concerned. Walter Strallhofer, a trade unionist, called the additional burden on the remaining inspections a critical challenge. In particular, concerns about the possible unequal treatment of the civil servants were expressed, since fewer police officers would be available on labor -intensive days in the case of greatly reduced opening times. An example was that inspections could remain closed for up to 72 hours, for example after Christmas or other holidays.

Way into the digital future?

In order to offer the citizens a way to contact us, the police are planning to expand online advertisements. These modern services could fill some of the gaps that have arisen, but it remains to be seen how well these offers are accepted. The police have announced that information channels will be available in the closed inspections about the nearest open police locations.

The changes were decided as part of a budget provisor, which is to contribute to reducing the high number of overtime (2.18 million in Vienna). Despite the arguments for more efficiency and relief within the police service, skepticism remains high in the population and among the civil servants as to whether these steps can actually guarantee the desired security in public space.

Overall, the developments show that in Vienna there is a rethink of police work that will bring about both opportunities and challenges. While some standards of efficiency are redefined, the question arises as to how the balance between savings and security needs of the citizens can be kept. A lot is at stake for the police and the population.