Austria to Equip Prisons with Body Cameras from June

Austria is set to introduce body cameras in its correctional and detention facilities starting in June, a move aimed at enhancing the documentation of incidents and bolstering safety for both staff and inmates. Justice Minister Anna Sporrer announced the plan, highlighting it as a significant step toward a modern, humane, and effective penal system.

The rollout will involve approximately 500 devices across all 29 correctional facilities nationwide by the end of 2026. An initial budget of around 900,000 Euros has been allocated for the implementation, with annual operating costs estimated at 80,000 Euros. The equipment has already been demonstrated to correctional officers in practical scenarios to ensure smooth integration into their daily routines.

“

This is an important step for a modern, humane, and effective penal system.

Sporrer emphasized the dual benefits of the body cameras, stating they will protect staff from assaults and unfounded accusations while simultaneously safeguarding the rights and security of inmates. "Transparency creates de-escalation on both sides," she noted, underscoring the cameras' potential to foster a calmer environment within the facilities.

The deployment will occur in two phases. The first phase will equip specialized rapid response units, followed by a gradual rollout to all other correctional officers. This phased approach aims to ensure a seamless transition and effective utilization of the technology throughout the Austrian penal system.

“

They protect our staff from assaults and unfounded accusations, while simultaneously safeguarding the rights and security of inmates. Transparency creates de-escalation on both sides.