Switzerland to equip transport police with tasers amid rising violence on trains

The Federal Council has announced plans to equip Swiss transport police (Transportpolizei) with tasers for use on trains, buses and trams in Switzerland amid a rise in violent incidents. Body cameras will record taser use.

Tasers, bodycams and AI surveillance on Swiss trains

The government in Switzerland is taking action to protect employees after the country has seen an increase in attacks on public transport staff. To “strengthen police security”, the Federal Council will amend two laws to allow transport police officers to carry tasers on Swiss public transport. 

Body cameras will also become more widely adopted to “document the legality of taser use”. Aside from transport police, other employees such as train or bus drivers, ticket inspectors and escort staff may also be equipped with body cams.

Lastly, the government also proposed allowing real-time video surveillance monitoring under certain circumstances, along with AI video analysis. Passengers would need to be informed when surveillance is taking place. 

The government has opened a consultation process which runs until November 16, 2026. The proposed changes would apply temporarily for five years while Parliament drafts permanent federal legislation.

Rising violence against SBB staff prompts action

According to the Transport Police Unit (TPO) and the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB), 35 incidents that involve violence against SBB staff take place each month, “more than one incident per day,” writes Watson. 

Taser use is intended to “close the gap between pepper spray or batons and firearms,” and would allow officers to use “proportionate force” when faced with a threatening or violent situation. When fired, tasers release darts that enter the skin and deliver a high-voltage electrical charge that momentarily paralyses muscles.

Despite the increase in incidents on public transport, Switzerland frequently ranks as one of the safest countries in the world, and expats say it is one of the best things about living in Switzerland.