Execution of Penal Sentences and Justice

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In focus

Detained adults

On 31 January 2023, 6 445 adults were detained in a penal institution in Switzerland.

Penal institutions

On 31 January 2023, Switzerland's 89 penal institutions had 7 196 detention places, 89.6% of which were occupied.

At a glance

The annual survey of custodial sentences and the pre-trial detention of adults held in penal institutions (FHE) is conducted on the reference day (31 January).

Imprisonment on reference day
  2022 2023
Total prison population

6 310

6 445

Prisons (in operation)

91

89

Number of detention places

7 341

7 196

Occupancy rate (in %)

86.0

89.6

Data updated (FHE): 22.03.2023 Source: FSO - Imprisonment statistics (FHE)

The statistics on the execution of sanctions (SVS) provide information on all persons admitted to and released from a penal institution, on the length of imprisonment of convicted adults, as well as on the sentences, in penal institutions. It also includes information on community service, on electronic monitoring as well as on persons under probation assistance.

Further information

Tables

Graphs

Press Releases

Statistical sources and concepts

On this topic

Detained adults

Incarcerations, releases and length of stay for detained adults

Community service, electronic monitoring and probation assistance

Enforcement of penalties in the form of community service or under electronic monitoring, as well as under probation assistance

Penal institutions

The catalogue and map of penal institutions contains information on addresses, history, functions, capacity and personnel resources

Contact

Federal Statistical Office Section Crime and Criminal Justice
Espace de l'Europe 10
CH-2010 Neuchâtel
Switzerland

Contact

Remark

Our English pages offer only a limited range of information on our statistical production. For our full range please consult our pages in French and German (top right hand screen).

https://www.bfs.admin.ch/content/bfs/en/home/statistics/crime-criminal-justice/execution-penal-sentences-justice.html