Cooperation

Since the cantons are sovereign in police affairs, there is no national police force in Switzerland. Despite this system having numerous advantages, it could also have negative impacts in view of the increasing cross-cantonal and international nature of the challenges faced by the police. The cantons have therefore developed various forms of co-operation through police agreements and other arrangements, including joint police training centres. The cantons are also making efforts to standardise other areas such as equipment, thus deriving the added benefit of economisation.

Co-operation on a national level
The Conference of Cantonal Police Commanders of Switzerland (CCPCS) and the Swiss Association of Municipal Police Chiefs (SAMPC) endorse closer co-operation between the cantons and cities, and with the federal authorities. Both organisations debate and deal with the most important aspects of police work. The central political organ is the Conference of Cantonal Justice and Police Directors (CCJPD).

The federal authorities are the central contact in dealings with international police agencies and they perform essential co-ordination duties on a national level (see International Police Co-operation).