Decrease in telecommunications monitoring
In 2014, the Swiss law enforcement authorities ordered around 10% fewer surveillance measures with the Postal and Telecommunications Traffic Surveillance Service (Dienst Überwachung Post- und Fernmeldeverkehr, ÜPF) than in the previous year. In total, there were 9679 surveillance measures, as reported by the Federal Department of Justice and Police (FDJP).
Both the real-time surveillance measures ordered by the law enforcement authorities at the ÜPF service (eavesdropping on telephone calls or reading e-mails) and the retroactive surveillance measures (proof of connection) have decreased. In 2014, 3,344 real-time surveillance measures were ordered (2013: 3,770) and 6,335 retroactive ones (2013: 6,872). It should be noted that one person is often subject to several surveillance measures, for example if he or she uses several telephones.
Decrease in detailed information, more phone book queries: In 2014, the law enforcement authorities also obtained less information from the ÜPF service overall. Technical-administrative information (detailed information on telecommunications lines, subscriber identifications) decreased by around 9% to 4,478. Simple information (telephone directory inquiries, IP address inquiries), on the other hand, was requested somewhat more frequently. They increased by just under 4% to 198,019.
Drug trafficking and property crimes: Around 40% of these surveillance measures were ordered by law enforcement agencies to clear up serious violations of the Narcotics Act. One third relates to serious property offenses. The remainder is divided among various types of offenses, including serious violent and sexual offenses.
Fewer fees and compensation: For the measures, the prosecution authorities paid a total of CHF 13.63 million in fees, around 8% less than in the previous year. The postal and telecommunications service providers were paid compensation amounting to CHF 10.13 million (around 2% more than in 2013). It should be noted here that the statistics list those surveillances which were ordered in 2014, as the FDJP writes. However, the fees are not paid until the surveillance measure is completed, i.e. in some cases not until 2015.
The published on the website of the service ÜPF. Statistics lists in detail all surveillance measures ordered and information provided by the law enforcement authorities in 2014.
