National Police (Liechtenstein)

The National Police of the Principality of Liechtenstein (German: Landespolizei des Fürstentums Liechtenstein), is the national police force of Liechtenstein. It helps keep the small, doubly landlocked alpine state in Western-Central Europe safe. The police has 125 employees, including 91 officers and 34 staff members.

Liechtenstein is bordered by Switzerland to the west and Austria to the east. The country works closely with these neighbors through a special agreement, allowing police from all three places to help each other. This helps make sure everyone stays safe, no matter where they are near the borders.

The National Police is also part of a big group called Interpol, which connects police from many countries around the world. Liechtenstein has signed many other important treaties too, which help it work together with other nations to protect people and keep the peace. The current chief of police is Jules Hoch, who has been in this role since 2013.

Crime

Liechtenstein has a very low crime rate. Since the mid-1970s, when the country began to grow and prosper, crime has stayed low. People in Liechtenstein often don’t even lock their doors because it is so safe. The country’s jails have very few inmates, and sentences longer than two years are sent to Austria for handling. Police officers in Liechtenstein carry weapons because of a past shooting incident. In 2003, the country brought in police from Switzerland and Austria to help keep things calm after a possible Liechtenstein win against England in a Euro Cup qualifying match at the Rheinpark Stadion.

Structure

The National Police of Liechtenstein are split into three main groups and two special teams.

The first group is for Security and Traffic Control, which includes units for traffic, security, and emergency situations. The second group is for Criminal Investigation, where officers solve serious crimes and gather clues. The third group is Executive Support, which helps with organization, technology, and communication. There is also a Chief of Staff and Commissioner's Office for legal and administrative tasks. Lastly, there is the Security Corps, a special team that helps during big events or emergencies and performs ceremonial duties.

Security

Law enforcement in Liechtenstein is handled by the National Police. Liechtenstein has a policy of neutrality and does not have an active military. Its army was abolished in 1868 after the Austro-Prussian War, though it could be reinstated if needed, though this is very unlikely.

Switzerland has a larger military, and sometimes during training, soldiers have accidentally entered Liechtenstein’s territory. For example, in 1985, a rocket fired by Swiss forces landed in Balzers, starting a small forest fire. In 1992, Swiss cadets went to Triesenberg by mistake, and in 2007, a group of Swiss soldiers entered Liechtenstein in bad weather but returned quickly. These incidents were resolved peacefully.

Policing treaties

Since 1933, the National Police have joined seven important groups to work together. These include groups like Europol, International Police Association, Interpol, and the Eastern Swiss police Concordat. They also work with the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.

Emergencies

When you need help in emergencies, there are special phone numbers to call. For any kind of emergency, you can dial 112. If you need the police specifically, you can call 117. For fires, the number is 118, and for medical help, you can dial 144. There is also a service called Rega for air rescue, and you can reach them at 1414. The Fire Brigade has a group of 30 volunteers who help with mountain rescues. The police officers wear uniforms that look similar to those used by the police in Switzerland.

Customs control

The border between Switzerland and Liechtenstein is open. Before December 2011, Swiss customs officers helped protect Liechtenstein's border with Austria. In February 2007, many people from places like Somalia and Eritrea tried to seek a safe place in Liechtenstein. Border guards were placed at both borders to keep order. This continued for about 90 days.

In December 2011, Liechtenstein joined the Schengen Area, which means its borders with Switzerland and Austria are open. This led to the closing of some border stations with Austria. Liechtenstein now uses a high-tech video surveillance system and mobile border patrol units to keep its borders safe.