Candidates on the test bench

Special unit exercise: training on rails

(Bild: Klaus Loibnegger)

As part of their six-week basic training, the new candidates for the rapid intervention group recently practiced at the ÖBB-Ost train station in Villach. The "Krone" was also on the rails.

A total of 14 officers from the SIG special unit, i.e. the rapid intervention group, are currently on duty throughout Carinthia. And this 24 hours a day. Ideally, another six special forces should be added soon. Provided that the current 20 new candidates, all of whom have been in the police service for at least two years, also meet the strict requirements.

SIG instructor Andreas Urschitz.(Bild: Klaus Loibnegger)

"Police! Drop your weapon and put it on the ground!" - On Thursday, 20 police trainees from the Rapid Intervention Group practiced an emergency situation in a train compartment as part of their basic training at the ÖBB train station in Villach.(Bild: Klaus Loibnegger)

The trainers scrutinize every move the trainees make. And repeated again and again - if necessary. It's all about automatisms.(Bild: Klaus Loibnegger)

The men in the rapid intervention group are the link between the uniformed patrol officers and the Cobra special unit - and are deployed when weapons are involved, among other things. With the exception of cases in which firearms are used - this would then officially be a case for Cobra.

Even the selection criteria for basic training for the rapid intervention group are strict. And even if you pass these, you are sorted out.

SIG-Ausbilder Andreas Urschitz, seit 13 Jahren Polizist aus Leidenschaft

"Our teams, i.e. three men per vehicle, are called upon three times a day on average to provide support. This ranges from cases of domestic violence, rioters and dangerous threats to suicide scenarios. In addition to our Taser weaponry, we are also able to provide first aid as quickly as possible thanks to our emergency medical equipment (defibrillator in the emergency vehicle; editor's note)," instructor Andreas Urschitz told "Krone".

Carinthia-Styria cooperation
Thursday was a busy day of practicing and training on the ÖBB premises in Villach. Special deployment scenarios in train compartments. And this across federal states. Because Carinthia and Styria are pulling together when it comes to SIG training. Six of the 20 candidates will ultimately (hopefully) be deployed in Carinthia.