Hans Peter Doskozil criticizes Austrian police reform plans

Burgenland Governor Hans Peter Doskozil has expressed strong opposition to planned police reforms in Austria, criticizing the new duty time model (DZM) scheduled to begin on September 1. Doskozil, a former police officer, argued that the measures marketed as modernization will actually result in more weekend shifts, less predictable leisure time, shorter recovery periods, and potentially lower income for officers.

Doskozil also rejected plans to transfer personnel from Burgenland to Vienna to address staffing shortages in the capital, stating that solving one problem by creating gaps elsewhere is not a sustainable solution. He urged the Ministry of the Interior to closely monitor the trial phase and make corrections if the concerns of those affected are confirmed.

The Ministry of the Interior responded by stating that the demands for fair working conditions are already being addressed. The ministry noted that the trial period in five districts across Austria is being closely evaluated to ensure findings are integrated into the overall project.