Hermann Winkler

The author has been enjoying a well-earned retirement since 2015, but his spirit never rests. He keeps a watchful and critical eye on contemporary developments, always guided by a deep sense of duty and an unshakeable belief in justice and order. For him, knowledge and experience are not mere possessions, but a legacy that must be passed on - a responsibility that he still bears with determination today.

From the very beginning, his professional career was characterised by discipline, integrity and the unconditional pursuit of the rule of law. He served the state with conviction and saw his work as far more than a mere duty: it was both his vocation and his mission. His principles were appreciated by his fellow travellers, but he was viewed with suspicion by some who preferred the comfortable path of conformity. But those who are committed to justice must endure resistance - a maxim that he always lived by and which is reflected in his work and writings.

He began his career as a patrolman, working alongside experienced mentors who taught him the essential values of police work. He realised early on that the police service not only enforces the law, but is also a reflection of society. Parallel to his demanding service, he deepened his knowledge by studying law at the Paris Lodron University of Salzburg, focussing in particular on psychology for lawyers - a combination of theory and practice that made him an analytical and determined representative of his profession.

His quest for knowledge knew no bounds. He expanded his expertise with a wide range of further training courses - including an EU diploma, degrees in New Public Management and Public Leadership as well as specialised qualifications in the areas of human rights, crisis communication and staff work in special situations. Strong leadership and strategic foresight were the cornerstones of his work, qualities that are more important than ever in challenging times.

But his career has not been without conflict. In a system that did not always reward performance, but often loyalty to political structures, he clashed with those who advanced their careers through relationships rather than expertise. Intrigue and opposition accompanied him, but his upright nature enabled him to withstand these trials. His fate is emblematic of a society in which true expertise is not always the measure of all things - and yet he remains an admonisher and fighter for the values that defined his career.

Today, freed from the constraints of bureaucratic structures, the author dedicates himself to new challenges. His spirit is unbroken, his visions are numerous - and his journey is far from over.