Two murders in two weeks and a constant stream of appalling incidents in correctional institutions – “this shocks me”, says Ombudsperson Gaby Schwarz in an interview on ZIB2, speaking about the precarious situation within the penitentiary system.
“I regularly visit correctional institutions and meet dedicated staff there – both prison guards and specialist staff. But the staff are at their limit. The Ministry of Justice is always saying that 94 per cent of permanent positions are filled. That’s only true in theory. Maternity leave, long-term sick leave and part-time work aren’t taken into account. It’s time to take an honest look at this. Otherwise, it really will be five past midnight,” emphasises the Ombudsperson.
In Annual Reports, the Austrian Ombudsman Board has been drawing attention to cases of maladministration in correctional institutions for years and making recommendations. “As Ombudsperson, I welcome any measure that helps to improve the situation for staff and for detainees.”
"Staff are the key to improvements in correctional institutions," said Ombudsperson Gaby Schwarz.