๐ฎ Police in Switzerland
+41 ยท Police (Polizei/Police/Polizia)
Switzerland Police emergency number is 117. Verified 2026-01. Official source: OFCOM Switzerland. One-tap call, works offline.
Police (Polizei/Police/Polizia)
Switzerland ยท Police
๐ Police emergency number. Also reachable via 112. Handles criminal emergencies and public safety. Cantonal police forces respond.
๐ข Dedicated Number Pages
๐ Find Nearest Emergency Services
Use GPS to locate the nearest hospital, police station, or fire station near your current location.
๐ฃ๏ธ Emergency Phrases in Switzerland
Use these phrases to communicate in an emergency when language is a barrier. Tap the speaker to play pronunciation.
โ ๏ธ When NOT to Call Police
- โข Do not call 117 for non-urgent police matters
- โข Do not call 1414 for non-alpine emergencies - use 144 for ground ambulance
- โข Do not make false emergency calls - punishable under Swiss law
- โข Do not use emergency lines for road conditions
- โข Do not use emergency lines for road conditions or weather forecasts
- โข Do not call 1414 for non-alpine emergencies
- โข Do not call 144 for non-urgent medical advice
- โข Do not call 117 for non-urgent police matters - visit the local police station
- โข Do not call 144 for non-urgent medical advice - contact your GP or the medical on-call service
โ๏ธ Travel Notes โ Switzerland
Emergency response is fast and excellent throughout Switzerland. REGA air rescue is world-renowned for alpine emergencies. Medical care is world-class but expensive; travel insurance is essential. The 112 system integrates with cantonal emergency services.
๐ก๏ธ Traveling to Switzerland? Protect Yourself
Emergency medical treatment and evacuation abroad can cost tens of thousands of dollars. We recommend securing travel insurance before your trip.
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Police Emergency Service in Switzerland โ Complete Guide
When traveling to Switzerland or living there as an expat, knowing the correct police number Switzerland can be critical for safety and emergency preparedness. The official emergency contact line for police services in Switzerland is 117, which is operated and monitored by OFCOM Switzerland. Police emergency number. Also reachable via 112. Handles criminal emergencies and public safety. Cantonal police forces respond.
How to Call the Police in Switzerland
To reach the Police (Polizei/Police/Polizia) in Switzerland, dial 117 from any local telephone network, cellular phone, or public payphone. This emergency number is fully compatible with mobile networks and roaming devices. Calls to this emergency service are free of charge, meaning no prepaid airtime credit or active service plans are required. When dialing, make sure you stay calm, wait for the dispatcher to connect, and clearly speak in the local language or request English translation. State your location, the nature of the emergency, and any injuries immediately.
What to Expect When You Dial 117
When you call the police number in Switzerland, you will be connected to a trained operator at OFCOM Switzerland. These operators are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year to coordinate immediate dispatch. If you are a traveler facing a language barrier, remain on the line. Operators have access to translation services or are trained to handle foreign queries to ensure response teams are routed to your exact coordinates.
All Emergency Numbers in Switzerland
Please note that Switzerland utilizes different emergency lines for distinct situations. Besides the Police (117), the following emergency services can also be reached directly: European Emergency Number (112), Police (Polizei/Police/Polizia) (117), Emergency Medical Service (144), Fire and Rescue Service (Feuerwehr) (118), REGA Swiss Air Rescue (1414). Additionally, the universal European/global emergency contact number 112 is active in Switzerland and will redirect calls to the appropriate local agency.
Data Source & Verification
The emergency number 117 is verified against official directories published by OFCOM Switzerland. Last verified on 2026-01. If you notice any outdated information or changed hotline details, please contact us so we can update the platform for traveler safety.
Frequently Asked Questions โ Police in Switzerland
What is the Police number in Switzerland? โผ
The Police emergency number in Switzerland is 117. Police emergency number. Also reachable via 112. Handles criminal emergencies and public safety. Cantonal police forces respond.
Does 117 work from mobile in Switzerland? โผ
Yes, 117 works from all mobile phones in Switzerland.
Can I call 117 without a SIM card? โผ
A SIM card is typically required. Try 112, the universal number, which works without a SIM on most networks.
Is calling 117 free in Switzerland? โผ
Yes, calling 117 is free in Switzerland. No airtime credit needed.
Who operates Police in Switzerland? โผ
The Police service in Switzerland is operated by OFCOM Switzerland. Source: https://www.ch.ch/en/safety-and-justice/emergencies-and-danger/
What is REGA 1414 in Switzerland? โผ
REGA is the Swiss air rescue service specializing in alpine emergencies and medical evacuations. Call 1414 directly or request REGA through 112. REGA membership covers rescue costs.
Can I call 112 from a mobile without a SIM card in Switzerland? โผ
Yes. GSM phones can dial 112 without a SIM card. Emergency calls are free.
Are emergency calls free in Switzerland? โผ
Yes. All emergency calls to 112, 117, 118, and 144 are free. REGA rescue may incur costs without membership.
Do emergency operators speak English in Switzerland? โผ
Yes. Emergency operators handle calls in German, French, Italian, and English. Multilingual support is standard.
What is REGA 1414? โผ
REGA is Swiss air rescue for alpine emergencies. REGA membership covers rescue costs.
Can I call 112 from a mobile without a SIM card? โผ
Yes. Emergency calls are free and work without a SIM card.
Do emergency operators speak English? โผ
Yes. Operators handle German, French, Italian, and English.