Austria will begin deploying body cameras in prisons and forensic detention facilities nationwide starting in June, Justice Minister Anna Sporrer (SPÖ) announced in a statement.
According to the ministry, around 500 body cameras will be introduced as part of what Sporrer described as “an important step toward a modern, humane, and effective correctional system.” The rollout plan was developed together with representatives from the Directorate General for Corrections and the administration of custodial measures.
A one-time budget of approximately €900,000 has been allocated for the implementation, while annual operating costs are estimated at €80,000. The equipment was recently demonstrated to correctional officers during an information event in Schielleiten, Styria, using practical scenarios intended to support integration into daily operations.
Sporrer said the body cameras are intended to protect prison staff from assaults and unjustified accusations while also safeguarding the rights and security of inmates. “Transparency creates de-escalation on both sides,” she said.
Nationwide Rollout Planned In Two Phases
The nationwide rollout will begin in two phases starting in June. In the first phase, correctional response units will receive the devices first, as these teams already operate in highly sensitive areas and have specialized training structures in place.
The second phase will gradually equip all other correctional officers in prisons and forensic therapeutic centers across Austria. The ministry aims to complete the rollout across all 29 correctional and detention facilities by the end of 2026.
Austria will use Motorola V500 body cameras, with around 500 devices expected to be in operation nationwide after the rollout is complete.
Costs And Technical Integration
Of the €900,000 implementation budget, around €780,000 will be used to purchase the equipment, while approximately €120,000 will go toward integration into the justice system’s existing IT infrastructure.
Annual operating costs of around €80,000 will cover licensing and software fees, maintenance and service, as well as storage and server capacity. According to the ministry, these costs will be covered through reallocations within the existing corrections budget.
