Currently 2023: Increase in the execution of sentences and measures in Switzerland

The number of people in the Swiss prison system increased slightly in 2023. Men and foreign nationals are particularly strongly represented.

In 2023, 9297 people started a sentence or measure in the Swiss prison system, which represents a slight increase compared to the previous year's 9121 cases.

According to the Federal Statistical Office (FSO), over 90% of the people concerned were men, a proportion that has not changed compared to 2022.

Distribution of enforcement types

The most common types of enforcement in 2023 were custodial sentences, which accounted for 38% of cases, and alternative custodial sentences for unpaid fines, which accounted for 42%. Foreign nationals made up the majority of prisoners (67%), while Swiss nationals made up the majority (64%) of prisoners serving measures.

Community service and electronic monitoring

A total of 2823 sentences were served through community service, which corresponds to around 23% of all sentences in 2023. At 27%, the proportion of women in this category was higher than for prisoners as a whole.

Electronic ankle bracelets were used in 3% of cases. This form of monitoring is mainly used for custodial sentences, with it being used in around half of these cases, according to the FSO.

SDA