From the autumn, the admission requirements for aspiring police students will be relaxed. You no longer need to have a driver’s license, instead of push-ups there should be sports medicine tests. Even tattoos are no longer a fundamental obstacle, Interior Minister Gerhard Karner (ÖVP) said on Tuesday.
The reformed police training is expected to start in September. For example, there are new and interdisciplinary modules in the cyber field and more sports are planned. The latter is given more scope in the programme, but the admission requirements in this area are less strict.
ECG instead of push-ups
The sports tests are replaced by sports medicine tests. This determines the basic fitness and the training goals can then be worked out in the course of the training under qualified supervision. Franz Ruf, Director General of Public Security, therefore assumes that most will set the limits.
Driving license can be obtained during the training
In the future, a driver’s license will no longer be a condition for admission to the training, but can be obtained during the police academy and is also paid. In addition, trainees are offered a climate map free of charge. However, completed military or community service remains a requirement. Dealing with tattoos will be less strict: they are no longer a fundamental obstacle. Whether a visible tattoo is a problem must be judged on a case-by-case basis.
Two-year basic training
The minister calculated that there are currently about 32,000 people in uniform on duty in Austria. That is a high figure, the number of employees has increased by 5,000 people in recent years alone. To become a police officer, you must complete two years of basic training. This is currently offered at twelve locations in Austria, employing approximately 360 teachers. There are currently 2,500 police students in training. But according to Ruf, 1,500 to 2,000 colleagues retire every year. The situation on the labor market is challenging everywhere, which is why the program is attractive.
Bonus system for recruiting new employees
They also want to start recruiting: there will be a bonus system for recruiting new employees. The admission procedure will be shortened from three to two days and a chat service will give interested parties the opportunity to clarify many questions in advance. Anyone who does not successfully complete all modules can make a second attempt after six months and will be actively reminded of this.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
