Safety commission does not want minimum standards for security companies

The decision of the Security Policy Committee (SiK) of the Council of States was clear: the committee proposed to the Council by 9 votes to 3 that the motion 17.4101 by SP Council of States member Paul Rechsteiner be rejected; this motion wanted to Minimum standards for security companies at the national level. The reason for the SiK's rejection was that it did not want to encroach on the cantons' sphere of competence. The maintenance of public safety, including the services of private security companies, is a matter for the cantons, according to the justification. The successful example of the concordat of the cantons of western Switzerland on security companies also showed that harmonization was possible without a regulation at the federal level. A minority of the commission members, however, pointed out that a national harmonized regulation was needed, because there was uncontrolled growth in this area with corresponding risks.

VSPB nevertheless hopes for a yes from the Council of States

As the Association of Swiss Security Services Companies (VSSU) supports the Association of Swiss Police Officers (VSPB) has been calling for the introduction of uniform rules for years: They should create clarity and simplify the work of the companies involved. "It's a pity that after so long private security companies still don't get uniform rules," VSPB Secretary General Max Hofmann criticizes the decision and emphasizes: "Especially now, when even the Federal Council has noticed that the cantons are still far away from a solution." Of course, one accepts the federalist idea and the competence of the cantons in the area of internal security. But in this sensitive area, it must be possible to create the best possible conditions for the benefit of all involved, Hofmann said.

"Unfortunately, the statement in the SiK media release that harmonization is possible even without a regulation at the federal level is not true," Hofmann continues. Now all that remains is to hope that the Council of States seizes the opportunity and, contrary to the recommendation of its commission, still calls for a federal regulation.

Motion Seiler Graf still in the pipeline

If the Council of States shares the opinion of its commission, the Motion The VSPB's press release of September 4 concludes by stating that the goal of harmonization throughout Switzerland will be achieved after all, which is why Priska Seiler Graf, SP National Councilor and head of security for the city of Kloten, has called for the initiative to be taken up.  (rs)