Summary
The Federal Office of Police (fedpol) coordinated extensive security measures during the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos for approximately 400 persons protected under international law. The operation required intensive cooperation between fedpol, cantonal police forces, the military, and additional security partners. Weapon permits were issued for around 300 personal security officers to ensure the safety of high-ranking state guests.
Persons
Topics
- Security measures at the WEF
- International cooperation of security authorities
- Weapon permits for personal security officers
- Protection of persons protected under international law
Detailed Summary
The World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos presented significant challenges for Swiss security authorities. The Federal Office of Police coordinated a comprehensive security concept to protect approximately 400 persons with international legal protection status.
Implementation required close coordination between multiple actors: fedpol served as coordinator, while cantonal police forces from all Swiss cantons, the military, and additional security partners assumed operational responsibilities. This cooperation extended not only to Davos, but also to strategically important locations such as Zurich Airport.
A central aspect of the security operation was the regulation of weapon permits. Approximately 300 personal security officers received authorization to carry weapons to protect the heads of state and other high-ranking guests present. This measure underscores the complexity and security risk involved in hosting such a large number of internationally significant personalities.
Key Points
- Fedpol coordinated protection for approximately 400 persons protected under international law at the WEF
- 300 weapon permits were issued for personal security officers
- Coordination encompassed all cantonal police forces, the military, and additional partners
- Security perimeters extended across multiple locations (Davos, Zurich Airport)
- Intensive inter-institutional cooperation was successfully implemented
Stakeholders & Affected Parties
| Group | Role |
|---|---|
| Fedpol & Cantonal Police | Coordination and operational implementation |
| Military | Support for security measures |
| Heads of State & Delegations | Protected persons |
| Personal Security Officers | Operational security forces |
| Davos Population | Affected by security perimeters |
Opportunities & Risks
| Opportunities | Risks |
|---|---|
| Seamless federal coordination demonstrated | High personnel requirements and resource needs |
| Successful protection of high-ranking guests | Potential security gaps at mass event |
| Strengthening of international reputation | Strain on local security infrastructure |
| Testing of cooperation mechanisms | Restrictions for local population |
Action Relevance
Relevant for decision-makers:
- Evaluation of the efficiency of federal security coordination following the WEF
- Review of weapon permit processes and their control
- Documentation of best practices for future international major events
- Monitoring of personnel resource bottlenecks at fedpol
Quality Assurance & Fact-Checking
- [x] Central statements and figures verified
- [x] No unconfirmed data identified
- [x] Official press release validated as primary source
- [x] No apparent political bias detected
Supplementary Research
- WEF Security Concepts: Official reports from the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) on international protection standards
- Federal Police Coordination: fedpol annual reports on major events
- Swiss Security Architecture: Publications from the Department of Defence (VBS)
Source Directory
Primary Source:
Press Release from the Federal Office of Police (fedpol) – January 23, 2026
https://www.news.admin.ch/de/newnsb/WTOqwxHHM960nOOpmkihA
Verification Status: ✓ Facts checked on January 23, 2026
This text was created with the support of Claude.
Editorial responsibility: clarus.news | Fact-checking: 23.01.2026