Linz, Austria – After a protracted selection process, Karoline Stumptner will grow the new deputy chief of the Upper Austrian State Police on April 1st. The appointment, formalized by a decree from Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen, brings an end to a nearly year-long search to fill the position left vacant by Rudolf Keplinger’s retirement last September. Stumptner, currently head of the state police’s legal office, assumes the role at a time of ongoing discussion about policing priorities and resource allocation within the region.
The vacancy sparked an unusually lengthy deliberation, with the position initially advertised in the summer of 2023, according to reporting from nachrichten.at. The extended timeline reflects a complex internal process involving multiple levels of review and a decisive intervention from the federal Minister of the Interior.
A Contentious Selection Process
Following the application deadline, a commission identified five candidates – two women and three men – as potentially suitable for the role. Alongside Stumptner, 47, Günter Tischlinger, 58, the state police’s personnel chief, was also assessed as “highly qualified” by the commission. This marked the second time Tischlinger had applied for the position, signaling his strong interest in the deputy chief role.
The process then became entangled in conflicting recommendations. While State Police Chief Andreas Pilsl publicly favored Stumptner in late October, the personnel representation committee voiced its support for Tischlinger a month later. This deadlock led to the matter being escalated to Federal Police Director Michael Takacs, who also favored Stumptner. Though, even this endorsement was rejected by the Central Committee in Vienna, which again opted for Tischlinger.
the final decision rested with Minister Karner, who appointed Stumptner as Pilsl’s deputy in mid-February. This intervention underscores the significant political weight attached to this key law enforcement position.
Succession and Future Plans
With Stumptner’s appointment finalized, attention now turns to filling her previous role as head of the state police’s legal office. Pilsl’s office announced on Wednesday that the position will be advertised shortly, initiating another recruitment process within the Upper Austrian State Police. The appointment of Stumptner marks a significant shift in the leadership structure of the Upper Austrian State Police, and her experience in legal affairs is expected to be a valuable asset as the force navigates increasingly complex legal challenges. The long and often public selection process highlights the importance placed on finding the right fit for this critical role within the state’s law enforcement apparatus. The focus now shifts to ensuring a smooth transition and addressing the ongoing needs of the state police force as it continues to serve the citizens of Upper Austria.
The appointment of Karoline Stumptner as deputy chief of the Upper Austrian State Police represents a culmination of a complex and lengthy selection process. The official start date of April 1st will see her working alongside Landespolizeidirektor Andreas Pilsl to address the evolving security landscape and maintain public safety within the region. Further updates regarding the filling of the head of the legal office position will be released by the state police as they become available.
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