Jüngere Entwicklungen im Sicherheitspolizeirecht in Österreich

Abstract

The Austrian Security Police Act differs fundamentally from that of the police laws of the German Länder. The focus of the Austrian act lies not in the abatement of a “concrete danger” (konkrete Gefahr), but rather to fight a “general danger” (allgemeine Gefahr) by a “dangerous attack” (gefährlicher Angriff). The legal term “dangerous attack” refers to criminal law. There are various “preliminary tasks” which start with the “preparation of a threat” or refer to a “prevention” or “identification of a danger” (Gefahrenerforschung). In particular, there is no principle of separation of police services from intelligence services. The Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution and against Terrorism (Bundesamt für Verfassungsschutz und Terrorismusbekämpfung), as an organisational unit of the Directorate General for Public Security of the Federal Ministry of the Interior, and special units at the State Police Departments are responsible for the “extended identification of a danger” (erweiterte Gefahrenerforschung) and the “preventive protection against constitutional attacks” (verfassungsgefährdender Angriff). This article also provides information on current developments and challenges such as detention for security purposes, processing of genetic data, body worn cameras and police drones.