Financial Guard (Austria)

The Finanzpolizei (engl. Financial guard or Financial police) is an Austrian civilian police force under the authority of the Austrian Ministry of Finance. It was founded in 2013 after the Zollwache (Customs guard) was dissolved in 2005.

History

In October 1830 the predecessor organization was founded. During its existence the organization had different denomations like Gränzwache, (Border guard), Finanzwache (Financial Guard) and until its liquidation in May 2004, Zollwache (Customs guard). The Italian Guardia di Finanza has its seeds in the Austrian Finanzwache. The liquidation was conducted, due to the fact, that all neighbour states became members of the European Union or part of the European Economic Area and the Schengen Area.

Mission of the Finanzpolizei

On 1. July 2013 the Finanzpolizei was founded as a uniformed law enforcement organisation to fight tax fraud, social fraud, illegal gambling, violation of both labour rights and employment regulations. Unlike the predecessor organization of the customs guards, the financial guards are unarmed.

Equipment of the Financial Guard

Uniforms

The financial guard officers officially use "service clothing" (uniforms). If the purpose of the application is required, financial guards can also intervene in plain cloths. The uniform color of the Ministry of Finance is gray, combined with the red logo of the ministry and black applications.

Uniform of the Financial Guards

The standard adjustment consists of:

  • beret
  • shirt (long / short sleeve)
  • trousers
  • multi-purpose belt
  • boots

In addition, the following garments are used depending on the weather and application:

  • pullover
  • fleece jacket
  • sleeveless vest
  • raincoat and trousers
  • safety vest
  • protective gloves

Following special clothing is provided:

  • protective helmet
  • safety shoes
Car of the Financial Guard

The institutions of the financial guards have a service card which, on the front, contains the inscription "Dienstausweis Republik Österreich", the photograph of the servant, the designation "Finanzpolizei", the official number of the staff member and the period of validity. With the successful completion of basic training, each financial policeman will also receive a badge (service mark).

Financial Guard Vehicles

Vehicle registration plate, FV for Finanzverwaltung (financial administration)

The Financial Guard has a partly labeled vehicle fleet of different vehicles. In addition to small buses, cars and all-wheel-drive vehicles are also used. The vehicles of the financial police are (partially) equipped with Emergency vehicle equipment as well as stopping bars, for the use in the road traffic. Partially, the vehicles are also labeled "Finanzpolizei". If necessary, the office buses can be marked on the vehicle flanks by magnetic panels.

All vehicles use government Vehicle registration plates with the abbreviation "FV" (for financial administration), the Federal coat of arms and a three-digit number.


See also

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