Swiss police use guns less often but with deadlier force
Half of the cases of firearm use occurred in response to dangers posed by animals or vehicles.
Keystone / Carlo Reguzzi
Police forces in Switzerland used their firearms a total of 12 times in 2020 – three times less than in the previous year – but caused comparatively more fatalities.
This content was published on
1 minute
Keystone-SDA/gw
Português
pt
Polícia suíça usa armas com menos frequência, mas com mais força mortal
Three people died following police use of force. That’s up from one fatality in 2019, the Conference of Cantonal Police Commanders said on Monday.
Police forces continued to resort more frequently to the use of electroshock weapons, or tasers: they deployed them 96 times in 2020, more than in 2019 (73) and in 2018 (45). They also threatened to use tasers – but without doing so – in 87 other cases.
Half of the cases of firearm use occurred in response to dangers posed by animals and vehicles.
The Swiss police network is composed of 26 cantonal forces, around 300 communal police forces and the Federal Office of Police.
More
More
‘Holy cow!’ This Swiss never thought he’d be a cop in the US
This content was published on
Two decades ago, Adrian Hoesli followed his father to America for a fresh start. Though they don’t see eye to eye on guns, both share Swiss values.
Swiss climate activists block vehicles near Gotthard tunnel
This content was published on
Around ten climate activists briefly blocked the A2 motorway near the northern entrance of the Gotthard tunnel on Thursday.
Watches belonging to Michael Schumacher up for auction
This content was published on
Schumacher's family is auctioning off eight rare watches from his collection in Geneva. The Christie's auction will take place on Monday.
Joya Marleen and Baschi named best solo acts at Swiss Music Awards
This content was published on
St. Gallen singer Joya Marleen and Baschi from Basel were named artists of the year at the Swiss Music Awards 2024 on Wednesday night.
Swiss authorities announce cost-cutting in asylum sector
This content was published on
The government notably wants to improve integration into the labour force, particularly for people with protection status S.
Various leaders confirm participation at Ukraine peace conference
This content was published on
The presidents of Poland, Finland, and Latvia and the prime ministers of Spain and Belgium will be at the Swiss-hosted talks in mid-June.
This content was published on
In the winter season up to April 2024, railway and cable car operators ferried 3% more visitors compared to the previous winter, and 5% more than the five-year average.
Rhine flooding: Swiss to invest CHF1 billion with Austria
This content was published on
As part of an international agreement with Austria, the Swiss government wants to pump CHF1 billion ($1.1 billion) into flood protection measures along the Rhine over the next three decades.
Swiss government proposes CHF10 million UNRWA donation
This content was published on
After months of debate, Switzerland plans to give CHF10 million ($11 million) to the UN agency this year, rather than the CHF20 million initially foreseen.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Taser and firearm use by Swiss police on the rise
This content was published on
The use of tasers by Swiss police officers increased by almost 40% last year – but animals, rather than humans, were blamed for more firearms use.
Former police officer jailed for darknet arms dealing
This content was published on
The former logistics chief of the Schwyz cantonal police a 28-month suspended prison sentence. Eight months must be served.
This content was published on
While better training has reduced incidents of racial profiling and violence among Swiss police, what goes on behind closed doors is troubling.
This content was published on
Closing loopholes in the existing gun law will further protect citizens, says the Swiss government. Opponents who disagree may be on to something.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.