Common name Landespolizei Formed 1933 | Abbreviation LL Employees 125 | |
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Motto Für Gott, Fürst und Vaterland
For God, Prince and Fatherland Preceding agency Security Corps
Auxiliary Corps | ||
Law enforcement in Liechtenstein is handled solely by the small Liechtenstein National Police Force (Landespolizei), composed of 91 officers and 34 civilian staff, a total of 125 employees (not including the Security Corps), who police the 160 km² (61 sq mi) doubly landlocked alpine country in Western-Central Europe. Bordered by Switzerland to its west, and Austria to its east, Liechtenstein maintains a trilateral treaty which enables close cross-border cooperation between the police forces of the three countries; Liechtenstein is also a member of Interpol, and a signatory to a variety of other treaties.
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Crime
Liechtenstein has a significantly low crime rate, with the last murder taking place, according to a serving officer, “about ten years ago” as of 2007. Crime has always been low since the mid-1970s when Liechtenstein started to prosper as a nation. According to an International Special Reports study, the average Liechtenstein resident doesn't even lock their door. Liechtenstein jails hold very few, if any, inmates, with sentences over two years being transferred to Austria. However, officers in the Liechtenstein National Police Force have been armed since a shooting took place. In 2004, Liechtenstein drafted 300 Swiss and Austrian police to assist security forces in the potential aftermath of a Liechtenstein victory over England, in a Euro Cup qualifying match, at Rheinpark Stadion.
Structure
Liechtenstein National Police Force are divided into three divisions, and two independently operated subdivision:
Security
Law enforcement in Liechtenstein is handled solely by the Liechtenstein National Police Force, although a paramilitary force is maintained inside the police body. Liechtenstein follows a policy of neutrality, and is one of few countries in the world that maintains no active military. Liechtenstein's Army was abolished in 1868, soon after the Austro-Prussian War in which Liechtenstein fielded an army of 80 men, although they were not involved in any fighting. However, Liechtenstein can reinstate its military if deemed necessary, although this is very unlikely.
Swiss military
Switzerland has a relatively active military due to conscription. Several incidents have occurred during routine training:
Policing treaties
Since 1933, Liechtenstein National Police Force has signed seven strategic treaties.
Emergencies
The national emergency telephone number is 112, for police it is 117, for the Fire Brigade it is 118, for the Ambulance Service it is 144, and for the Rega it is 1414. The Fire Brigade also operates a 30-man volunteer Mountain Rescue Service. Officer uniforms are similar to that of the Swiss cantonal police, both in color, and design.
Customs control
The Swiss border between Switzerland and Liechtenstein is opened, but Swiss customs officers used to secure Liechtenstein's border with Austria. Before December 2011, there were 21 Swiss, 4 Liechtenstein National Police, and 28 Austria border guards, who secured the 11.6 km long Liechtensteiner-Austrian border, however, only 20 percent is passable.
In February 2007, there were hundreds of people trying to seek asylum in Liechtenstein, mainly from countries such as Somalia and Eritrea. Due to the number of people attempting to cross the border, border guards were stationed on both the Liechtensteiner-Swiss border, and the Liechtensteiner-Austrian border, with the main objective of maintaining law and order for all Liechtensteiners. This security measure lasted for about 90 days, with well over 800 people seeking asylum in Liechtenstein.
In December 2011, Liechtenstein became the fourth non-European Union country to join the Schengen Area after Switzerland, Norway and Iceland. Under the agreement, Liechtenstein will maintain an open border with both Switzerland and Austria, and will therefore, result in the closure of several Liechtensteiner-Austrian border stations. In addition, Balzers Heliport will restrict all helicopters coming from non-Schengen countries, which in theory, should limit security concerns. However, Liechtenstein will strengthen its customs control in the way of a high-tech video surveillance system (over 60 cameras costing $2.3 million), and regular mobile border patrol units.