Criticism of Staff Shortages in Prisons
Austria-wide, "at least 300 positions" are required, explained Norbert Dürnberger, chairman of the GÖD Justice Guard Union, to Ö1. Despite the strained budget situation, a clear commitment is now necessary, he demanded. Because the relief in the penal institutions will only be noticeable in 2027 or 2028.
Staff Shortage in the Penal System: Ombudswoman Wants Evaluation of Number of Positions
The positions are "not even filled on paper," said Schwarz on Monday in a statement to the APA. In addition, there are long-term illnesses and parental leaves, and a wave of retirements is foreseeable. This means a shortage of specialists in areas such as justice guards, psychiatry, social work, and occupational therapy. "Austria's prisons are designed for 8,800 inmates. Currently, there are more than 9,600," said Schwarz. "In view of the overcrowding, it is urgently necessary to evaluate whether the contingent of positions, which was set years ago under different circumstances, meets the current requirements," said the ombudswoman. "From my point of view, the calculation is simple: if the number of inmates increases, the number of positions must also increase to ensure an orderly penal system as best as possible."
Since 2023, a working group in the Ministry of Justice has been dealing with the "enhancement of a career in the penal and measures system - improvement of the personnel situation in the justice guard and other professional groups," said the Ombudswoman's Office further. Upon inquiry by the Ombudswoman's Office in February of this year about the status quo, an appointment for autumn 2025 was announced a few days ago.
Criticism Also of Juvenile Penal System
There is also a lack of staff in the new Vienna juvenile prison, said Norbert Dürnberger, chairman of the GÖD Justice Guard Union. In the Münnichplatz penal institution in Vienna-Simmering, not all positions necessary to ensure full operation are filled, criticized Dürnberger. At a time when the new location was already known, a separate training course for the juvenile prison could have been started, "then you would probably have young beginners available there now, who are urgently needed," he cited as an example. This was neglected.
The new Vienna juvenile prison at Münnichplatz is set to go into full operation in the autumn. There will be space for 72 inmates. In addition to 60 executive officers, there should also be experts in the fields of education, psychology, and social work. The head of the educational service is filled, a position for the head of the social service is currently advertised, it was said in July in response to a parliamentary inquiry by Justice Minister Anna Sporrer (SPÖ). Regarding the head of the psychological service, there will be a "planned transfer of the position from another department."
According to the Ombudswoman's Office, during the planning of the JA Münnichplatz, 80 positions were estimated by the General Directorate for an occupancy of 60 to 65 inmates, of which 50 are executive officers. "According to our information, several positions are still unfilled," said Schwarz to the APA. "Apart from that, 80 positions are the absolute minimum with which good care of the juveniles in the Münnichplatz penal institution can function." The new Vienna juvenile prison also made headlines in the spring after major construction work was pending during ongoing operations and external persons attempted to contact inmates. The deficiencies are to be rectified over the summer, it was said in response to the parliamentary inquiry.
(APA/Red)
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