Law enforcement in Liechtenstein

Law enforcement in Liechtenstein is handled solely by the small National Police of Liechtenstein (Landespolizei), consisting of 85 officers and 33 civilian staff [ [http://polis.osce.org/countries/details?item_id=26 OSCEpolis] 'Liechtenstein" retrieved on May 9 2007] which police the 160km² doubly landlocked alpine country in Western-Central Europe. Bordered by Switzerland to its west and by Austria to its east, the Liechtenstein Police maintain a trilateral treaty which enables close cross-border cooperation between the police forces of the three countries. ["Liechtenstein – facts and figures" retrieved from [http://www.liechtenstein.li/en/pdf-fl-staat-aussenpolitik-finanzplatz-facts_and_figures_engl.pdf here] on May 9 2007]

Liechtenstein has a significantly low crime rate, with the last murder taking place, according to a serving officer, “about ten years ago.” [ [http://www.internationalspecialreports.com International Special Reports] "Police are rarely seen in this peaceful principality" retrieved on May 9 2007] Liechtenstein jails hold very few, if any, inmates, with sentences over two years being transferred to Austria. [ [http://www.internationalspecialreports.com International Special Reports] "Police are rarely seen in this peaceful principality" retrieved on May 9 2007] Officers in the Liechtenstein police force remained unarmed until a recent shooting. [ [http://www.internationalspecialreports.com International Special Reports] "Police are rarely seen in this peaceful principality" retrieved on May 9 2007]

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