Online police station flourishes
The virtual police station has proven its worth: In 2015, for the first time, more bicycle thefts were reported via Suisse ePolice than at a police station.
The online police station Suisse ePolice is being continuously expanded: since the beginning of 2016, the inhabitants of the canton of Thurgau, and thus almost 60% of the population of Switzerland, have been able to use the services of the online police post, as the Association for Harmonization of Police Informatics (HPI) writes. In addition to the previous options (e.g. reporting a bicycle or motorcycle theft, etc.), the stolen cell phone or other electronic devices can now also be reported via the virtual police post. This now also applies to stolen skis or snowboards.
Also for institutional users
Recently, institutional users have also been able to enter property damage via Suisse ePolice. This service offers municipalities, schools, property management companies, transport companies, etc. the possibility to generate reports directly from their case processing tool and to send this data automatically to the police. According to HPI, the form and law of a report filed via this service is equivalent to a report filed in person at the police station.
More time for investigative tasks
In October 2013, Suisse ePolice, the launch project of the Switzerland-wide harmonization of police IT, was implemented. To date, 12 cantons (including 2 half cantons) are participating. In June 2016, the canton of Basel-Stadt will also be connected.
The platform is well used - the example of bicycle theft proves it. Overall, the experience of the police and the public has been positive, HPI writes. Thanks to the online solution, the police have more time available for investigative tasks.
