Basel-Stadt proposes reorganization of cantonal police powers

The Government Council of Basel-Stadt has submitted a proposal to the Grand Council to initiate the reorganization of law enforcement within the canton. This legislative step aims to expand the investigative powers of the Basel-Stadt Cantonal Police, bringing the region in line with organizational models used in other Swiss cantons.

The proposed changes involve partial revisions to the Police Act and the Implementing Act to the Swiss Criminal Procedure Code. Key objectives include legally anchoring the criminal police mandate and allowing uniformed officers to gradually take on additional investigative tasks, such as conducting interrogations and investigations for less complex criminal cases.

Additionally, the proposal seeks to establish legal frameworks for improved data exchange between the Cantonal Police and the public prosecutor's office. Currently, these entities operate with partially separate information systems; the new regulations would allow defined access to necessary data to facilitate the reorganization and fulfill official duties.