Spectrum of tasks
The P&S service must fulfil the following tasks:
- Spectrum of tasks
- Providing the protective infrastructure (shelters, etc) and the resources needed to alert the population
- Caring for persons in need of protection and those made homeless
- Protecting the country's cultural property
- Backing up the other partner organisations, particularly in the event of disasters and emergencies
- Reinforcing management support and logistics • Repair
- Other operations for the benefit of the community
Protective measures according to circumstances
Operational command or the staff unit may call for protective measures depending on the situation and the time available. In the case of disasters, emergencies and armed conflict, the authorities may order the population to go to the shelters and stay there as long as necessary. Such an order is followed by corresponding instructions to the population.
Caring for persons in need of help
P&S service is also in charge of sheltering and caring for persons in need of protection and those made homeless. Public and private buildings and premises, shelters and protected premises and/or parts of the army infrastructure are available to this end.
Protection of cultural property according to the Hague convention
The Confederation establishes the legislative framework for the protection of national and regional cultural property. In the case of armed conflict, it orders protective measures pursuant to the Hague Convention. The cantons implement the necessary measures according to Federal provisions in cooperation with cultural institutions and the private sector.
Backing other CP partner organisations
Where necessary, P&S units back the other partner organisations, and may be deployed for long term operations (days up to months), alone or jointly with other partner organisations.
Backing management support and logistics
P&S personnel may be called upon to reinforce management support. When necessary, P&S units provide logistics services for the other partner organisations, and are in charge of logistics coordination for management support.
Repair
To avert consequential damage, particularly for natural events such as floods, storms or avalanches, repair must be executed promptly, including protective and clearing measures. These works may take days or weeks up to months.
Work for the benefit of the community
The authorities may decide to deploy P&S units for the benefit of the community (big events, for example).
P&S is jointly regulated by Federal and cantonal provisions
The Confederation establishes the legal framework for P&S service and sets up provisions relative to its areas of competence, particularly as concerns recruitment and personnel. Cantons are in charge of implementing the Federal provisions and of P&S organisation.
Organisation of P&S
The organisation of P&S is defined by hazards analyses, the topographical conditions and structures of a canton, municipality or region. Consequently it may vary from case to case.