Unique service in Switzerland, the General Inspectorate of Services, in charge of criminal investigations targeting employees of Geneva police and the cantonal detention office, makes it for the first time public a summary of its activity report. It reveals that in 2024, an increase of 10.9% of new surveys was recorded with 143 cases open against 129 in 2023. Ten was for corruption.
If the allegations of abusive use of the force or a means of constraint remain the majority of the cases dealt with by the IGS last year, the number of new surveys for this reason has seen a slight drop (-3.7%). Of the 52 cases identified, 42 cases concern the cantonal police, 10 the OCD. No cases concerns the 17 municipal police policies as well as the other services, the IGS said in a statement on Thursday.
Regarding other reasons for investigation, a decrease is observed for the violation of the office secrecy (7 cases against 10 in 2023 and 11 in 2022). On the other hand, cases of corruption experienced an increase in 2024, with the treatment of 10 new surveys by the IGS (against 2 in 2023 and 2022). Preliminary checks in the event of suspicion fell by 11.6%.
3% convictions
Of the 250 surveys carried out by the IGS in 2021 and 2022, having given rise to the opening of criminal procedure and whose decisions depend on the Geneva public prosecutor, 209 experienced a judicial epilogue. The vast majority of decisions rendered led to a non-entry order in matters (63%) or a classification order (14%).
The criminal orders rendered, which also includes offenses committed outside service, have set up at 20% and the convictions before the courts at 3%.
The figures delivered in the report did not highlight the existence of a systemic problem of police or penitentiary violence within the offices concerned, notes the IGS. However, she says she is well aware of not being notified of the occurrence of each case or able to prove, in certain circumstances, the veracity of the alleged facts.
Various missions
With the content of the Police Act (LPOL), the IGS is independent of the police and their hierarchy, subject to its administrative attachment to the police commander. The summary of its activity report will now be published annually.
Under the leadership of the Attorney General, its primary mission is to guarantee legality and respect for ethics in the practices of civil servants with authority. Responsible for open surveys following disproportionate allegations of strength or a means of constraint, the body also investigates all offenses against duties of function and professional duties, as well as corruption issues, the press release recalls.
The IGS also conducts surveys relating to the offenses committed in a private framework for the only cantonal police officers, as well as any other investigation which is transmitted to it by the Attorney General. In May 2025, the service was made up of fifteen investigators from the various bodies and police units.
Seized by everyone
The IGS can be seized by any litigant considering itself injured or victim of an action committed by one or more officials included in its field of activity. It can also be seized by the public prosecutor, by hierarchies or employees of the services, as well as by any other person wishing to bring a fact to their attention.
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