Violence against police in Lower Austria increasing – teenager kicked officer in face
Attacks on police officers are rising across Austria. In St. Pölten, a teenager kicked an officer in the face.
Rise in attacks on police – St. Pölten as current example
Google News AT — Crime (de) reports on a concerning trend: violence against police officers is generally increasing in Austria according to police. Most recently, a rampaging teenager kicked an officer in the face in St. Pölten. A second man injured three police officers whilst resisting an expulsion order.
Police spokesman Johann Baumschlager cites alcohol and drug consumption as significant factors in the growing number of such escalations. Psychological crises also play a role: "There are individuals who completely lose control of their behaviour in a psychological crisis situation, perceive police intervention as a personal attack, and here sometimes respond with considerable violence against police officers."
Injured officers and younger perpetrators
In 2024, 1,132 officers were injured by third-party violence across Austria; the year before, it was 1,463 according to the Interior Ministry. In St. Pölten, three officers were recently attacked during an operation regarding a serious threat. The suspect resisted arrest very forcefully, according to Baumschlager.
Suspects are generally getting younger. The number of offenders under 18 increased by 75 per cent. Among those aged ten to fourteen – those below the age of criminal responsibility – police have recorded an increase of 137 per cent over the past 20 years. Those who actually behave aggressively towards officers tend to be older, it is said.
The teenager in St. Pölten was also in a psychological crisis situation, according to Baumschlager: "Ultimately he kicked a colleague in the face." Some injuries resulting from official action are so serious that affected officers must temporarily step back from duty.
Body cameras and operational training as protective measures
To better protect officers, body cameras are being deployed more frequently. The recordings document official actions and serve as evidence in court. Concurrently, operational training sessions deliberately recreate conflict scenarios to prepare police officers for escalating situations.
Source: Google News AT — Crime (de)