Switzerland is proactive

Fighting terrorism poses huge challenges for our society. A complex problem requires a complex response, not only from the security services – a joint effort is required to find a solution.

For this reason, the TETRA (TErrorist TRAcking) operational coordination was set up in 2014 under the direction of fedpol. In this taskforce, the following federal and cantonal authorities collaborate intensively:

  • Federal Intelligence Service (FIS)
  • Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland (OAG)
  • Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA)
  • Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (FOCBS)
  • State Secretariat for Migration (SEM)
  • Federal Office of Justice (FOJ)
  • Conference of Cantonal Police Commanders of Switzerland (CCPCS) and its affiliated National Police Command (FST P)

The TETRA taskforce is an important instrument for implementing the Federal Council’s counter-terrorism strategy. TETRA’s objectives are :

… to prevent terrorism in Switzerland;
… to ensure that Switzerland neither supports nor exports terrorism;
… to assist its international partners in combating terrorism;
… to ensure Switzerland is a reliable and judicious international partner in the fight against terrorism, committed to international law;
… to ensure Switzerland does not let itself be blackmailed by terrorists;
… to ensure Switzerland can respond to a terrorist attack.

International police cooperation is essential to fight terrorism effectively, especially together with Europol. Switzerland has two police attachés and a liaison officer stationed at the Europol headquarters in The Hague. It is also a member of the European Union’s Counter Terrorist Group (CTG), supports the implementation of the 2006 UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and the 2016 UN Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism, and actively exchanges police information within Europe via the Schengen Information System (SIS).

The chain of intervention

Radicalisation, the chain of intervention

Different authorities intervene depending on the case and the stage of radicalisation – from investigation, prosecution and resocialisation to deportation or other measures. 

Documentation

Last modification 28.06.2022

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