Agencies test crisis response at Graz criminal court

Several agencies and emergency services tested their coordination in a large-scale exercise at the Graz Regional Court for Criminal Matters on Friday, ORF reported.

The several-hour exercise included evacuating the court building during an acute threat. Public business at the court was suspended while it took place. Participants included the Cobra special operations unit, the Styrian State Police Directorate, the Austrian Guard Service, the Austrian Red Cross, the City of Graz, the Graz prosecutor’s office and Graz-Jakomini prison.

Klaus Baumgartner, head of Graz-Jakomini prison, said the agencies had faced a challenging, complex and changing situation. He said they had met the exercise’s objectives and successfully handled the scenario.

Valentin Krause of the Austrian Red Cross praised the organisations’ professionalism and highlighted the importance of volunteer work. Kurt Kornberger, commander of Cobra South, said coordinated work was essential in major operations and described the exercise as an important step. The City of Graz’s security manager, Gilbert Sandner, said the realistic conditions offered an opportunity to improve cooperation. Court spokeswoman Barbara Schwarz praised staff for their work during the complex exercise.