All police stations across Austria have now been equipped with body cameras for officers, as part of the government’s drive to modernise the force and expand the use of technology, Interior Minister Gerhard Karner announced on Friday.

Around 3,000 cameras have been purchased over the past two years.

Speaking in Leobersdorf, Lower Austria, Karner said body cameras are being deployed to assist officers in high-risk situations. “They can also help de-escalate conflict situations,” Karner said.

He added that officers, particularly those on patrol, now also have access to smartphones with upgraded policing apps.

“Every police officer has been provided with a smartphone equipped with modern policing apps. These allow them to scan identity documents, check vehicle registration plates and handle administrative tasks quickly,” Karner said.

In 2023, some 1,700 new officers were recruited, with a further 2,600 joining last year, Karner added, noting that 38 new criminal assistance units have been established across the country as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen criminal investigations.