Switzerland Police Number: 117
+41 · Police (Polizei/Police/Polizia)
The police emergency number in Switzerland is 117. Operated by OFCOM Switzerland. Free to call. Works from mobile phones.
Police (Polizei/Police/Polizia)
Switzerland · Police
📝 Police emergency number. Also reachable via 112. Handles criminal emergencies and public safety. Cantonal police forces respond.
🔢 Dedicated Number Pages
📍 Find Nearest Emergency Services
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🗣️ Emergency Phrases in Switzerland
Use these phrases to communicate in an emergency when language is a barrier. Tap the speaker to play pronunciation.
⚠️ When NOT to Call Police
- • Do not call 117 for non-urgent police matters
- • Do not call 1414 for non-alpine emergencies - use 144 for ground ambulance
- • Do not make false emergency calls - punishable under Swiss law
- • Do not use emergency lines for road conditions
- • Do not use emergency lines for road conditions or weather forecasts
- • Do not call 1414 for non-alpine emergencies
- • Do not call 144 for non-urgent medical advice
- • Do not call 117 for non-urgent police matters - visit the local police station
- • Do not call 144 for non-urgent medical advice - contact your GP or the medical on-call service
✈️ Travel Notes — 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.
🛡️ 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 — Complete Guide
When traveling to Switzerland or living there as an expat, knowing the correct police number in Switzerland is critical for 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 Dial 117 in Switzerland
To reach the Police (Polizei/Police/Polizia) in Switzerland, dial 117 from any local fixed line, cellular phone, or public payphone. Dialing from mobile devices is fully supported across local mobile operators and international roaming SIM cards. A SIM card is typically required by mobile operators in Switzerland. If you lack a SIM card, dial the universal emergency number 112. Calls to this emergency service are 100% free of charge — no prepaid airtime credit or active subscription plan is required.
Calling from International Roaming or Abroad
If you are within Switzerland using an international roaming SIM card, you can dial 117 directly without any country code prefix. If you need to contact emergency dispatch in Switzerland from an international location, the country calling code is +41.
Language & Communication with Dispatchers
Emergency operators in Switzerland communicate primarily in de, fr, it, rm. If you do not speak de, remain calm and state your language immediately (e.g. "English, please"). Most national dispatch centers have access to telephonic interpretation services or English-speaking officers to ensure rapid dispatch.
What to Expect When You Dial 117
When you call the police number in Switzerland, you will be connected to a trained dispatcher at OFCOM Switzerland. These operators are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. When connected, clearly state:
- Your exact location (city, neighborhood, landmark, or GPS coordinates)
- The nature of the emergency (police assistance)
- Number of individuals involved or needing immediate medical/police/fire assistance
- Your contact number for callback if disconnected
All Emergency Numbers in Switzerland
Please note that Switzerland utilizes dedicated emergency lines for different agencies. 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 emergency contact number 112 is active across Switzerland and will redirect calls to the appropriate local agency.
Official Regulatory & Government Source
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 our editorial team so we can update the platform for traveler safety.
Frequently Asked Questions — Police in Switzerland
What is the Police number in Switzerland? ▼
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? ▼
Yes, 117 works from all mobile phones in Switzerland.
Can I call 117 without a SIM card? ▼
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? ▼
Yes, calling 117 is free in Switzerland. No airtime credit needed.
Who operates Police in Switzerland? ▼
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? ▼
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? ▼
Yes. GSM phones can dial 112 without a SIM card. Emergency calls are free.
Are emergency calls free in Switzerland? ▼
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? ▼
Yes. Emergency operators handle calls in German, French, Italian, and English. Multilingual support is standard.
What is REGA 1414? ▼
REGA is Swiss air rescue for alpine emergencies. REGA membership covers rescue costs.
Can I call 112 from a mobile without a SIM card? ▼
Yes. Emergency calls are free and work without a SIM card.
Do emergency operators speak English? ▼
Yes. Operators handle German, French, Italian, and English.