Appenzell Ausserrhoden police chief Reto Cavelti steps down

Reto Cavelti will leave his post as head of the Appenzell Ausserrhoden cantonal police after more than 16 years, SRF reported, citing an official statement from the canton. He said he wanted to make room for new forces.

The police force is currently undergoing a reorganisation aimed at simplifying procedures, clarifying roles and improving cooperation. The project began about 18 months ago.

An external analysis found that police operations were working well, but morale and satisfaction within the force were relatively poor. Anonymous sources told SRF’s Eastern Switzerland regional programme in spring that there was a crisis of confidence in the management. Cavelti confirmed at the time that morale within the force was not good.

Cavelti also faced criticism over his membership of the executive board of the Appenzell Ausserrhoden Police Association, which represents police employees. Some members wanted a clearer separation between the employer and employee representation. In a vote, however, the association decided that Cavelti should remain on the board.

No final departure date has been set. According to the canton, Cavelti is expected to remain in post until a successor has been appointed.

Cavelti described his departure as a carefully considered decision and said the ongoing reorganisation was a good time for both him and the police force. Government councillor Katrin Alder called it an orderly departure. Both said that criticism in recent weeks and months had not influenced his decision to leave the police service.