Politics · Switzerland · 2 days ago
More people in Zurich are choosing community work instead of prison
People in Zurich canton who cannot pay certain fines can serve time in prison or work for the community instead.
The option applies, for example, to people convicted of fare evasion or speeding, and can cover sentences of up to six months.
The canton took over the service that helps arrange this work in 2025, after its use had been declining.
Since September 2025, 1,388 applications have been filed, and 80% have been successful.
The number of people choosing community work has risen by 40% since the canton took over.
Jobs include helping in kitchens, recycling and grounds care, across a list of 250 participating workplaces.
The work is unpaid, but it lets people keep up their daily routines and costs the canton less than a prison stay.
More people in the canton of Zurich are choosing community service instead of prison when they cannot pay fines.
Since the canton took over the service point in 2025, 40 percent more people have opted for community service, SRF reported.
Since September 2025, 1,388 applications have been submitted, with an 80 percent success rate.
People may work in kitchens, workshops, recycling or grounds maintenance.
The canton has a list of 250 businesses where community service can be done.
- Who
- People unable to pay fines, including fare dodgers and speeding drivers.
- What
- More people in the canton of Zurich are choosing community service instead of serving time in prison for unpaid fines.
- When
- The increase followed the canton taking over the service point in 2025. Since September 2025, 1,388 applications have been submitted.
- Where
- Canton of Zurich, Switzerland.
- Why
- Community service allows people to work off their penalties rather than go to prison. The sources do not state why more people are choosing it.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
We have achieved our goals. We have expanded access, reach people more quickly today, can support them better and place them more quickly.
The canton took over the service point, which had previously been run by a foundation.
1,388 applications for community service were submitted, with an 80 percent success rate.
- Increase
- 40 percent more people chose community service after the canton took over
- Applications
- 1,388 since September 2025
- Success rate
- 80 percent
- Available workplaces
- 250 businesses in the canton of Zurich
- Prison cost
- 240 Swiss francs per person per day
Sources
Related news
Esther Friedli rules herself out of race to succeed Guy Parmelin
Aeschi backs at least two candidates for Parmelin’s successor
Hans-Peter Portmann will not seek re-election to National Council in 2027
Two Swiss People’s Party lawmakers consider run to succeed Guy Parmelin
Lucerne to offer evidence collection for domestic violence victims without a complaint
Swiss lawmaker proposes requiring the Dutch reach to prevent cycling crashes
Esther Friedli withdraws from race for Swiss Federal Council seat
Swiss lawmaker raises the idea of an alcohol ban at train stations
Baume-Schneider set a record for the fastest Swiss cabinet department change
Aargau launches six-month pilot for police reports by video call
Possible Publica data leak raises questions about software provider access
