Interior Minister Karner presented the “Jobrad” trial operation for police officers in Vorarlberg on February 27, 2024
Vienna (OTS) – On February 27, 2024, Interior Minister Gerhard Karner presented the “Jobrad” project, in which half of the purchase of a bicycle or e-bike for police officers is financed by their employer.
Employees are half-financed for leasing a bicycle or an e-bike, which can be used on duty, among other things, for trips to school, but also for patrolling residential areas. This bike can of course also be used for leisure purposes. Several models are offered up to a value of 5,000 euros. After five years, the bike is paid off and can be purchased for one euro.
“In recent months, numerous measures have been taken to get people interested in the police profession. The job wheel is one of these measures to consistently continue on the path we have chosen,” said Gerhard Karner.
Broad package of measures to make the police profession more attractive
The number of applicants for basic police training has been steadily increasing in recent months. This is thanks to a consistent personnel offensive and a broad package of measures that make the police profession more attractive and future-proof.
The responsible Federal Police Directorate recently placed a particular focus on word-of-mouth marketing by existing police officers. A bonus system was created that provides 1,000 euros as a reward for successfully recruiting new staff. In December 2023 alone, 300 of the 600 new admissions were based on recommendations and advertising from active police officers.
Multi-stage modernizations
In addition to the many advertising measures, the police are also relying on a modernized selection process and, as a third point, on further developed basic training in the security academy.
As part of the new selection process, online applications are also possible, and a chat service via messenger services is also available to answer questions from potential applicants quickly and easily. In addition, a missing driver’s license or visible tattoos are no longer a fundamental exclusion criterion. Anyone who gets their driver’s license during basic training will have the costs reimbursed after completing the training.
The basic training itself has also been modernized, for example with new modules in the area of cybercrime and sports or through interactive scenario training in a virtual environment using VR glasses and correspondingly interacting equipment.
Numerous other incentives were also provided, such as a salary increase during basic training. From the first year of training, the salary will be increased by 140 euros net per month, and from the second year by 200 euros net per month. And: The climate ticket is also refunded to police students right at the start of their training.
Questions & Contact:
federal Ministry of Internal Affairs
Ministerial Councilor Markus Haindl, BA MA
Press spokesman for the Federal Minister
+43 (0) 1-531 26 – 90 1021
markus.haindl@bmi.gv.at
www.bmi.gv.at