Ticino Police: reform project abandoned after opposition

Context

In brief

• Ticino police project abandoned after opposition
• Consultation lasted 12 months
• Cantonal authorities take note

Key facts

• What: Abandonment of Ticino police project
• When: April 30, 2026
• Where: Canton Ticino
• Who: Cantonal political authorities
• Amount: 12 months of consultation

The Ticino police reform project, named 'Ticino Police' and based on the principles of subsidiarity and financial neutrality, has been officially abandoned. After 12 months of consultation and strong opposition, particularly in established urban areas, the cantonal political authorities have taken note of the outcomes and formally concluded the project phase. The project, conceived 10 years ago, aimed to develop organization and collaboration between Polcantonale, Polintercom, and Polcom as an alternative to a single police force. The opposition mainly concerned the changes identified as opportune and necessary, with a proposal that valued the proximity role of the municipal police.

Implications for cross-border workers

Cross-border workers employed in Ticino may have noticed some institutional ferment in recent months related to this project. The abandonment of the project means there will be no significant changes in the structure of the Ticino police in the short term. However, the knowledge gained during the consultation could be used for potential future developments, particularly in defining the roles between the Canton and the municipalities and strengthening the coordination mechanisms of the police forces.

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Operational details

• ## Analysis of the oppositions

The opposition to the project to reform the Ticino police has been particularly strong in consolidated urban areas. This is understandable, given that cities often need a local police force that knows the territory and social dynamics well. The project, based on the principles of subsidiarity and financial neutrality, aimed to enhance the proximity role of municipal police forces, but encountered significant resistance.

Comparison with other Cantons

In other Swiss cantons, similar projects have been launched to improve coordination between police forces. However, the case of Ticino is particular due to its proximity to the Italian border and the presence of a significant community of cross-border workers. This makes coordination between police forces even more important, but also more complex.

Implications for cross-border workers

Cross-border workers who work in Ticino may wonder how this abandoned project could affect their safety and well-being. For the moment, there are no immediate changes, but it is important to stay informed about any future developments. The cantonal authorities have left open the possibility of new projects based on the knowledge gained, so it is possible that new initiatives will be proposed in the future.

Comparison with the previous situation

Before this project, the Ticino police was already organized into three main bodies: Polcantonale, Polintercom, and Polcom. The project aimed to improve collaboration between these bodies, but opposition led to the abandonment of the initiative. This means that the situation will remain substantially unchanged, with municipal police continuing to perform their proximity role.

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Key points

Concrete actions for cross-border workers

Despite the project's abandonment, cross-border workers employed in Ticino can take several measures to ensure their safety and well-being. Here are some concrete steps they can follow:

1. Stay informed: Monitor any future developments regarding the reform of the Ticino police. The cantonal authorities have left open the possibility of new projects based on the knowledge gained. 2. Know your rights: Cross-border workers have the same rights and duties as Swiss citizens in matters of security and public order. It's important to know your rights and how to exercise them. 3. Collaborate with local police forces: Municipal police continue to play an important role in local security. Collaborating with them and respecting their instructions can help improve everyone's safety. 4. Use useful tools: To calculate your net salary and better understand your tax situation, cross-border workers can use tools like the salary calculator. This tool can help you better understand your income and expenses and plan your budget. 5. Participate in public consultations: In the future, new public consultations may be launched regarding the reform of the Ticino police. Participating in these consultations can be a way to express your opinions and influence the decisions of the cantonal authorities.

For more information and to calculate your net salary, consult the salary calculator.

Source: ilgiornaledelticino.ch