VSPB: Violence against police on the rise

As early as November 2009, the Association of Swiss Police Officers (VSPB) the Petition "Stop violence against the police" submitted. It calls for the reintroduction of short prison sentences, the increase of the minimum sentence for violence and threats against officials and authorities (Art. 285 StGB) to 30 days, and the doubling of the sentence for repeat offenses.

In doing so, it drew attention to the unacceptable state of affairs and launched the political discussion. A good two years and numerous assaults later, the VSPB finally demanded action instead of discussion on November 24, 2011 - with the nationwide awareness campaign "Stop violence against police officers". "During these campaigns, the police officers were always shown goodwill, but that was then also the highest of feelings", VSPB President, Jean-Marc Widmer, shows himself disappointed.

And today?

Parliament decided in June to reintroduce short prison sentences. According to the VSPB, the "typically Swiss compromise" also retained the option of fines. In calling for an increase in the minimum penalty, the Federal Council said the preliminary draft of the relevant law provided for an increase, but dispensed with the minimum custodial sentence that was clearly called for. "The bottom line is that we unfortunately have to perceive that the need for effective measures in the case of violence and threats against police officers is not being heard by a majority in parliament," said VSPB Secretary General Hofmann. He also stressed that the attacks were becoming more violent and dangerous. The central board of the VSPB has therefore also reactivated its working group "Stop the Violence" in order to develop suitable measures.