In the interest of public safety and the investigation of criminal offences the officers of the Zurich City Police can by law Stop and Search civilians. It is bound by the constitution and the laws and is committed to acting adequately and respectfully.

Obligations of the stopped person:

Identification:
Civilians must answer questions about their identity and show identification documents if carried.

Search:
Civilians must show objects carried and grant access to vehicles used which all may be searched; to investigate or prevent a criminal offence or for security reasons

Police instructions:
If required civilians must follow the officers to a police station to establish his or her identity or to prevent or investigate a criminal offence. Hands have to be visible at all times and police officers are not to be touched.

Obligations of the police:

Reasonable suspicion:
The officers must have a reasonable suspicion to carry out a Stop and Search. The cause is to be made known to the civilian stopped. Exceptionally the officer can waive this obligation. A Stop and Search is not to be based solely on skin color, gender or the like

Identification:
The law considers the police uniform as a sufficient form of identification. Officers in plain-clothes must present their police identity card.

Act adequately and respectfully:
A Stop and Search must not be more thorough than necessary and carried out as discreetly as possible.

A stop and search has to be carried out respectfully and in compliance with the rights and obligations of all involved. Present the required information and follow the instructions of the police officers. Thus you make an important contribution to security in Zurich.

If you should gain the impression that the officers did not live up to a professional standard please contact one of the following authorities:

Zurich City Police Feedbackmanagement or Ombudsstelle Stadt Zürich