Aviation security officers
fedpol plays an important role in security on board Swiss passenger aircraft. Since 1970, it has deployed security officers known as ‘Tigers’ (air marshals) and ‘Foxes’ (ground marshals) on Swiss aircraft and at foreign airports based on a risk assessment. Tigers are responsible for security on board planes and intervene if any unlawful acts occur. Foxes monitor passenger handling and aircraft loading in cooperation with the local authorities.
Security officers are deployed on behalf of the Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA), as governed by the Aviation Act. fedpol draws up the operational doctrine and is responsible for recruitment, training, deployment planning, and risk and threat analysis. The security officers are recruited from fedpol, cantonal and local police forces, the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (FOCBS) and the Military Police Command.
What was the state of global aviation security in 2024? The infographic below provides an overview of events analysed by fedpol between May 2024 and April 2025:
