​From 19 to 23 November 2018, the National Liaison Office of CEPA Switzerland held a specialist seminar on "Hostage-taking / Abduction / Extortion" in Bern. 20 participants from six CEPA member states followed the prepared programme of the Federal Office of Police fedpol.

Speakers from international police cooperation, the Swiss cantonal and city police, a state criminal officer from North Rhine-Westphalia and a liaison officer from the German Federal Criminal Police Office provided information on hostage-taking, kidnapping and extortion. The high level of expertise of the lecturers was praised.

The participants were able to actively participate by means of current case studies. In mixed groups, they analyzed, discussed and dealt with the cases. The results were then presented to the plenum.

The participants appreciated the collegiality between the different nations as well as the division between theory and practice (exercises), especially the "Case Study and Table Top Exercises".

A guided tour through the Swiss air rescue service Rega rounded off the supporting programme. Afterwards, a walk next to the cathedral led to the old town. After a cozy fondue chat the light spectacle "The Little Prince" was visited at the "Bundeshaus". All in all, the participants praised the humanity, hospitality, expert knowledge and the get-together, which ultimately led to a successful specialist seminar.