“Raiffeisen Wien honors with the Security Merit Awards for Vienna. “My City Bank” police officers who have ensured greater security in the federal capital with particular commitment and moral courage.
“Closeness, trust and security are at ‘Raiffeisen Vienna. My city bank’ not just slogans, but lived values. We are the first point of contact for the Viennese when it comes to financial questions and we also maintain partnerships that go far beyond the bank counter,” emphasizes Martin Hauer, CEO of Raiffeisenlandesbank NÖ-Wien. “What connects us as a bank with the police is the common goal of ensuring the highest level of security in society. For 46 years, we have been using the Security Merit Awards to focus on people who have made a special commitment to the security of our city.”
“Security in our city comes from the decisive action, professionalism and dedication of our officers and courageous citizens. These outstanding achievements are recognized with the security merit awards,” emphasizes State Police President Gerhard Pürstl.
This year, a total of 158 award winners were recognized. In addition to officers from various city police commands and special units, employees from the State Criminal Police Office and the State Transport Department were also recognized for their extraordinary commitment.
This year’s award winners:
The “Blackout” project ensures safety in crisis and disaster situations
In the “Blackout” project, 19 officers from a wide range of departments created a concept for how the Vienna police remain operational in crisis and disaster situations. The developed guidelines serve as instructions for the employees and help to ensure the security of Vienna even in the event of a crisis.
“Together.safe” thanks to integration work
The growing diversity caused by migration poses new challenges for living together. Against this background, the “Together.safe” initiative was launched and continually expanded. 15 officers from the Vienna State Police Directorate organized information events together with nine people from organizations such as the Islamic Religious Community in Austria (IGGÖ), the Jewish Community of Vienna (IKG) and the Chechen and Serbian communities to improve mutual understanding. Panel discussions and large events with public interest were well received.
Solutions for dealing with “climate activists”
The “Last Generation” demonstrations, in which people stuck themselves to the street, presented the Vienna police with major challenges. In order to ensure the safety of the demonstrations and the careful removal of hands from the road, 13 officers from the standby unit were trained in special release techniques. Since then, a total of 96 release missions have been carried out in a highly professional manner.
Child abuse: Police show great sensitivity when questioning
In the first half of 2024, a team of three people conducted around 150 video interviews with sexually abused children. During these – sometimes very demanding official acts – questions were asked carefully and gently and the child’s well-being was always taken into account.
Shooting and stabbing attacks on the street: teamwork caught perpetrators
In October 2023 there was a shooting and a knife attack on the street with several people injured. The rapid action of the emergency services meant that the perpetrators were arrested two and a half hours later. A total of 98 police officers were on duty.
Josef Holaubek Medal of Honor for efforts at the demonstration “Criticism of Vienna’s migration policy”
This medal of honor is awarded to employees of the Vienna State Police Directorate who were seriously injured in action during their police work. A police officer suffered a serious leg injury while on duty at the “Criticism of Vienna Migration Policy” demonstration in July 2024. The officer attempted to arrest a hooded suspect who broke away and disappeared into the crowd. As a result, the police officer fell and sustained significant injuries. The consequences were a stay in hospital, an operation and several months of sick leave and therapeutic measures.