Implementation of measures – Styria: more and more mentally ill prisoners

Whether cold-blooded murder, rape or dangerous threats: mentally ill offenders are behind many crimes and the number of recordings has increased enormously in recent years. There are currently 1,400 people in Austria in so-called prisons, compared to less than half 20 years ago.

Karlau is more than 100 percent utilized
“Yes, we also recorded a very strong increase and were more than 100 percent utilized,” says Alexandra Wabnegg-Harnisch, head of enforcement at Graz-Karlau Prison. 104 mentally ill but healthy detainees are sitting here next to their prison sentence “in preventive measure”.

“The aim of the treatment is to reduce the danger level to such an extent that these people can be released again,” Wabnegg-Harnisch continues. At least once a year, it is decided on the basis of an expert opinion whether the placement should be canceled or extended.

Admission only of higher sentences
The enforcement of measures has been criticized for years and last week the federal government agreed on a reform. One of the most important changes is that admission to an institution is only possible for a crime punishable by a prison sentence of more than three years (previously: one year). Exception: danger to sexual integrity or life and limb.

Juveniles – hitherto treated on an equal footing with adults – may only be admitted if they commit a capital offense (imprisonment of ten years or more). Anneliese Pieber of the association “Neustart” also welcomes this step: “Not that briefings are currently taking place randomly, but I believe that tightening them up, including among young people, will certainly reduce the number of people housed in forensic centers.”