Police authority is exercised by the cantons, the member states of the Swiss Confederation. The organization of cantonal police forces generally reflects that of the country whose language is the primary language of that canton. In the
French-speaking cantons, the police are divided into two sections: • the , a uniformed organization which performs the tasks of police patrol and response, and may conduct judicial enquiries. However, in certain cantons, the gendarmes have the ability to conduct local or judicial enquiries. • the ('security' or 'safety'), civil investigators who work in the
Criminal Investigation Department (average and serious crime) In
German-speaking cantons, the police are divided into three sections: • the (criminal police), who investigate crime and conduct criminal investigations (similar to the
sûreté). • the ('security' or 'protection' police), who respond to emergency calls and conduct patrols (similar to the
gendarmerie). • the (
highway patrol) who enforce traffic laws and investigate road traffic accidents. In the
Italian-speaking canton of
Ticino, the police are divided into geographical areas. == References ==