News

What is the public’s perception of the levels of crime and anti-social behaviour? Does increased security have to come at the cost of individual freedom? Do we need more surveillance cameras on our streets? More police officers on patrol? What role do the media and new technologies play?



See article: La Cote newspaper



These questions will be the subject of public discussion at the fourth edition of “Et Maintenant”, to be held at UNI Global Union’s headquarters in Nyon on October 3 and organized jointly with Nyon town council and the magazine, Bilan.



In advance of the discussion, the co-organizers have presented the headlines of a report produced by the Geneva School of Business Administration based on face-to-face interviews and questionnaires completed by a sample of the region’s residents aged between 20 and 40.



The report found that overall perceptions of public safety remain positive, even though some residents are taking increased precautions such as not walking alone at night or avoiding certain areas. Doubt was cast on the efficiency of solutions such as increasing the number of security cameras, more support being shown for re-designing public spaces to make them safer or strengthening mediation teams to decrease incivility.



At a press conference at UNI Global Union headquarters, the Mayor of Nyon, Daniel Rossellat said, “We are heading towards a society that is much more security-oriented. Some people appear willing to sacrifice individual freedoms in return for stronger security measures and that deserves discussion. Where should the balance be?”



Full results of the poll conducted with Lake Geneva region residents will be published in Bilan magazine on October 2 and presented at "Et Maintenant", the evening of October 3.



Participants at the “Et Maintenant” forum will include Pierre Maudet, the Minister for Security in Geneva, Elisabeth Ruey Rey, the Councillor responsible for security in Nyon and Martin Killias, a criminologist at Zurich’s Institute of Criminology.



The debate will be hosted by Daniel Rossellat and Phillip Jennings, the Secretary General of UNI Global Union. The discussion will be moderated by Stéphane Benoit Godet, editor-in chief of Bilan and Olivier Dominik, a leading journalist at RTS.



“We are throwing open our doors to the public to debate an issue that concerns everybody,” said Jennings.



The event takes place on Thursday October 3 from 1800 to 2100 at UNI Global Union headquarters, 8-10 Avenue Reverdil, 1260 Nyon and is open to the public.



Places are limited and those wishing to attend should sign up at www.etmaintentant.ch