Law enforcement agencies

Federal
• The federal government does not run a general purpose law enforcement agency. National-level
law enforcement coordination is provided by a board of cantonal police commanders.
• The Federal Office of Police, an organization belonging to the Federal Department of Justice and
Police, coordinates international operations and may request cantonal police support for criminal
investigations conducted under federal jurisdiction (such as with respect to organized crime, money
laundering and terrorism).
Cantonal
• The 26 cantonal police agencies and numerous municipal police agencies are the backbone of Swiss
law enforcement. They are not subordinate to federal authorities. Their commanding officers
report to the head of the respective cantonal or municipal department of police, who is a member
of the cantonal or municipal governing council.
• Police training is conducted in cantonal service academies and at the Interkantonale Polizeischule
Hitzkirch, a joint police academy of twelve police agencies established in 2007.
Private
• Several private security services such as Securitas AG and Protectas exist in Switzerland. Their
agents (except those of the railway police service as noted above) do not have any law enforcement
authority, such as the power of arrest, beyond that of ordinary citizens.
 Requirements
• The requirements to be an officer in Switzerland vary by
canton, whose responsibility it is to institute the police
service, some of the requirements include a complete
high school education or 3 year vocational education,
aged approximately 20-30 years of age, absence of a
criminal record, completion of military service, a
minimum height requirement, a Category B driver's
licensce, computer and keyboard literacy, foreign
language skills, proper health and ocular health status,
and Swiss citizenship.
 Mission vision
• Mission
• Our overriding mission is to enhance the safety and quality of life for students, faculty
and staff across the UCSF system. By working in partnership with the community, we
strive to promote public safety and crime prevention through education and
enforcement; to maintain public order while preserving the legal rights of all
individuals; to provide efficient and courteous service; and to reduce the impact of
crime.

• Vision
• The UCSF Police Department strives to provide a crime-free and safe environment
through strategic policing, integrity, respect and strong community partnerships. We
willingly accept this responsibility and hold ourselves accountable for its
accomplishment.