Vienna sounds the alarm: Only 29 police stations are open on public holidays!

Vienna sounds the alarm: Only 29 police stations are open on public holidays!

The Vienna police have decided to significantly reduce the opening hours of 52 police stations on Sundays and public holidays from July 2024. From this point on, citizens in the city can only file reports at 29 locations. According to a report by The press This measure will be based on the positive experiences of a recent trial operation launched in October 2023. Instead of opening all 81 inspections around the clock as before, the focus is now on expanding the executive field service.

Police spokesman Anna Gutt explained that the changes also affect opening hours from Monday to Friday. These restrictions already existed from October 1, 2023, because only 29 inspections are open for citizens' concerns in the evening hours between 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. For comparison: previously 81 inspections were open continuously. However, this new regulation ensures that at least one office in each political district is accessible to the population around the clock My district reported.

Comprehensive changes

The new regulation means that party traffic will be severely restricted, especially on weekends and public holidays. As a result, citizens can no longer count on quick help and support everywhere. Previously, this was possible at all 81 police stations at any time, but after the change, reports will only be accepted at the 29 designated locations in the city on Thursday nights and before public holidays. This could pose a certain security risk for the population, a concern particularly expressed by FPÖ leader Dominik Nepp and other critics.

The FPÖ politician spoke of a “serious blow to the population’s sense of security” and the union is also concerned. Walter Strallhofer, a trade unionist, called the additional burden of the remaining inspections a critical challenge. In particular, concerns were expressed about the possible unequal treatment of officers, as significantly reduced opening hours would mean fewer police officers available on busy days. As an example, it was given that inspections could remain closed for up to 72 hours, for example after Christmas or other holidays.

Path to the digital future?

In order to still offer citizens an opportunity to contact them, 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 will be accepted. Police have announced that information notices will be available in closed inspections via the nearest open police locations.

The changes were adopted as part of a provisional budget that is intended to help reduce the high number of overtime hours (2.18 million in Vienna). Despite the arguments for more efficiency and relief within the police service, there remains high skepticism among the population and among officers as to whether these steps can actually guarantee the desired security in public spaces.

Overall, the developments show that a rethinking of police work is taking place in Vienna, which will bring with it both opportunities and challenges. While some measures of efficiency are being redefined, the question arises as to how to maintain the balance between savings and citizens' security needs. There is a lot at stake for the police and the public.