Having read about the previous YPOS events, when the opportunity arose to apply to be a participant at YPOS Vienna, I jumped at the opportunity to apply and was lucky enough to be chosen to attend, alongside a colleague from Northern Ireland to represent Section UK. YPOS Vienna was to run from the 29th July – 3rd August 2024 and was designed to give officers not only a chance to learn about law enforcement in Austria, but also to have a chance to help shape the future of the IPA.
Arriving on the 29th representatives of IPA Austria were in baggage reclaim to meet officers, to assist with the purchasing of tickets and boarding of the correct train to travel into Vienna. Whilst in the station I was lucky enough to meet with the representatives from the Netherlands, one of who is the brother of a friend I met on a previous trip.
Having arrived and settled into the hotel. We attended the opening ceremony, where we were taken through the itinerary for the week. Given gift bags, as well as being given the chance to introduce ourselves, and speak a little of our roles and Policing in our Countries. After a swift change out of uniform, it was straight into dinner. It still never fails to surprise me how we come together from all over the world, yet instantly click like old friends.
The 30th marked the arrival of the first full day of YPOS Vienna, we boarded the bus and headed to the Rossauer Kaserne in Vienna, a huge red-brick Police Barracks opened in 1870 which was impressive and, on a scale, not really seen in the UK. This was where most of the inputs would be taking place. On arrival we were again treated to coffee, cakes and water, which was certainly most needed as whilst at the Rossauer Kaserne the temperature never dropped below 30°C.
Throughout the day, we received inputs on IPA Austria, law enforcement in Austria as well as inputs from specialist units within the Austrian Police. Having finished with the formal inputs, it was a quick change out of uniform and on to a guided tour of Vienna. IPA Austria were kind enough to hire tour guides, who took us in two groups around Vienna, explaining a number of the key sites and the history behind them. This was a great opportunity to learn more about the city and the history of where we were staying. Having the chance to see the incredibly rich tapestry of history that is Vienna.
Rounding off the evening, we went for traditional Vienna food of Wiener Schnitzel and beer. Before finishing with a few more drinks and exchanging war stories from our respective countries and experiences in Policing.
The 31st started at the Rossauer Kaserne with an input from the Vienna Police Chief, followed by a number of practical demonstrations by WEGA the Vienna Tactical Unit. They displayed a number of tactics including rope work, at height demonstrations as well as dog displays and scenarios. After this we were able to get hands on and try out the unit’s equipment and look around the specialist vehicles that they use, as well as asking questions about their unit. With very different approaches to firearms compared to the UK, we were able to handle all of the weapons used and carried by WEGA including long arms, side arms, tasers and baton guns.
Having eaten lunch at the Rossauer Kaserne we once again boarded the bus, heading to the Operational Training Centre. Once there we were fortunate enough to be shown around, before being split into two groups and having the opportunity to fire the two main weapons of the Austrian Police. These being the Glock 17 and the Steyr AUG. Despite being the only unarmed officer on the range, I managed to beat a number of my international colleagues in the timed shoot. Being called “English John Wick” by the firearms instructor and begged not to share the results by one international colleague. Despite my apparent prowess with a firearm, a career in firearms is not one I have my eyes on.
Moving on from the Training Centre, we went to the Polizei-Sportanlage (Police Sports Complex) where we took part in Dragon Boat racing on the Old Danube River. Unfortunately, the boat I was in didn’t win, but it was a great way to experience the area and to see the facilities available to the Vienna Police. We followed this up with dinner by the river at the same venue which provided an incredible view and environment.
The 1st of August was the day that we held the Young Members Forum, giving an insight into the IPA, allowing Young Members a chance to put forward their ideas, for how the IPA can continue to grow, and flourish in the years to come. After a busy day of idea sharing, we then moved into some free time before attending a meal at the Vienna City Hall. This meal was hosted and paid for by the Mayor of Vienna, who unfortunately was unable to join us. We were instead joined by the Deputy Mayor and were also lucky enough to have Martin Hoffmann the International President of the IPA join us for the meal. A few of us were able to spend some time speaking with Martin directly which was a great experience. Travelling the short distance outside the City Hall, we found ourselves in the Vienna Film Festival and were able to enjoy a few more drinks there before heading back to the hotel.
The 2nd of August presented an opportunity, which not even many members of the Austrian Police get to experience, as we travelled to the Headquarters of the Einsatzkommando Cobra - the top Police Tactial Unit in Austria. There we got to experience all the incredible training facilities that they have available to them, as well as learning about their work with Police Dogs, Air Marshals, Tactial Medics, Technical Units and Close Protection Teams. It was incredible to be shown around their HQ with facilities on a scale that I have never seen before in Policing. Being more similar to some of the facilities that I have seen available to military special forces. With the day culminating with us having the chance to try out their climbing wall and abseil.
Unfortunately, in true IPA fashion, these events always end far too soon with the return to the hotel signalling the end of YPOS Vienna with the Closing Ceremony. Having been presented with our certificates and a commemorative patch, we headed to the restaurant where we had started the event on the Monday evening and with a brief pause to change out of uniform continued the drinks and time with friends that we had made throughout YPOS Vienna 2024.
With a little too much celebration the night before, for a few of us a late breakfast was instore on the 3rd before heading home. Travelling into Vienna central with friends from Norway, Finland, Germany and Australia we reflected on the incredible experience we had and spoke of plans to meet up in the future.
This event has given me so much information about Policing in Austria and across the world, with ideas and suggestions that I have to bring to my own area of work. It allowed me to discuss things with colleagues who have shared experiences and come up with ideas that we can use to tackle these issues. It really does show that no matter where you go in the world, Policing will always have the same issues and officers will always want to do what is best for the victims of crime.
The IPA is an incredible Organisation with only one downside, every time I travel the list of friends to visit goes up and up!
Simeon Coughlan, 11 Region, Sussex Branch
