Burgenland swears in 47 new police officers

Burgenland has sworn in 47 newly trained police officers, who will join police stations across the province, ORF reported. The ceremony took place on Friday in Neusiedl am See.

The group includes 23 female inspectors and 24 male inspectors. More than 1,800 active law enforcement officers currently serve in Burgenland.

Interior Minister Gerhard Karner said it was important for women to choose policing, particularly in areas such as protection from violence. Women affected by domestic or family violence were often more likely to confide in female officers, he said.

New inspector Isabella Pernsteiner said she could imagine working in that field. She had considered her application for a long time because she was not the tallest or strongest, she said. However, many people encouraged her and told her that police also needed officers who were empathetic and able to communicate well with people.

Karner also highlighted the police role in combating people smuggling. He said Burgenland, and especially the Neusiedl am See district, had repeatedly been particularly affected by illegal migration, which had been significantly reduced through the work of the police and the armed forces.

Twenty-six police trainees were also sworn in on Friday. They began their two-year training on September 1, 2026. As part of the Day of the Federal Police, meritorious employees of the Burgenland State Police Directorate were also honoured.