Civil courage campaign aims to get the public to look and react properly

The aim is to sensitize the public to look and react, but not to put themselves in danger. Police officers explain how to do this in various videos.

From cyberbullying, sexual harassment and accidents on the highway to blackmail and domestic violence: police officers are confronted with these and similar crimes on a daily basis. But those who keep their eyes and ears open often witness a conflict or crime themselves - even in their own environment. Looking the other way or reacting incorrectly can have serious consequences. This is precisely where the national campaign "Showing civil courage - but how?" by Swiss Crime Prevention, which it has implemented with practically all cantonal and the largest municipal police forces.

"Civil courage is not about mindlessly risking your own life. The important thing is to look out and be helpful in all kinds of everyday situations," explains Laura Brand, project manager at SKP. "The police cannot and should not be everywhere, which is why they rely on the help of the public," Brand continues. In numerous videos on various crimes, members of the corps from all over Switzerland explain exactly how they can help.

Showing civil courage often means calling the emergency number: "Calling 117 is something out of the ordinary for most citizens. But this is precisely how they provide us with important information that we need for our work," says Florian Schneider from the St. Gallen cantonal police, who is taking part in the campaign himself.

The videos also provide access to the daily work of police officers, which also includes topics such as illegal pornography, burglary protection and radicalization. The campaign aims to reduce the inhibition threshold in the population to contact the police and help without putting themselves at risk. (pd)