(SOLOTHURN, 2026-01-26) — The government council has elected Fabienne Holland as the new commander of the canton of Solothurn police, effective May 1, 2026. Holland, currently the head of the criminal investigation department of the Basel-Landschaft police, will succeed Thomas Zuber, who is retiring.
The appointment marks a continuation of experienced leadership for the Solothurn Canton Police Corps.
- Fabienne Holland has been appointed the new commander of the Solothurn police.
- She is currently the head of criminal investigations for the Basel-Landschaft police.
- Holland previously served as deputy commander of the Solothurn police from 2018 to 2022.
- The handover of command will take place on May 18, 2026.
Holland’s election brings a seasoned law enforcement professional to lead the canton of Solothurn’s police force. She will assume command on May 1, 2026, following the retirement of Thomas Zuber, who has led the Solothurn Canton Police Corps since October 1, 2006.
Extensive Law Enforcement Background
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The 48-year-old Holland brings broad professional experience to the role, possessing both excellent knowledge of security and several years of management experience, police said. She has headed the criminal investigation department of the Basel-Landschaft police since January 1, 2023. Prior to that, from July 2018 to December 2022, Holland served as head of the criminal department and deputy commander of the canton of Solothurn police, demonstrating a familiarity with the region and its law enforcement needs.
Holland’s career also includes a period as a prosecutor at the Basel-Landschaft public prosecutor’s office from 2009 to 2018. She is both a qualified police officer and a lawyer, having been admitted to the bar in 2006 after studying law at the University of St. Gallen. She completed police school and received her federal certificate as a police officer in 2008.
Continued Professional Development
Beyond her operational roles, Holland remains actively involved in law enforcement education. She has been a course director at the Swiss Police Institute since 2020 and a lecturer at the Northwestern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences since 2022, indicating a commitment to the ongoing development of policing standards.
The handover of command is scheduled for May 18, 2026, allowing for a transition period between Zuber’s departure at the end of June 2026 and Holland assuming full command on May 1, 2026.
Why It Matters
Holland’s appointment represents a continuation of experienced leadership within the Solothurn Canton Police Corps. Her prior experience as deputy commander in Solothurn, combined with her current role leading criminal investigations in Basel-Landschaft, suggests a smooth transition and a focus on maintaining established security protocols. The handover also highlights the importance of professional development within Swiss law enforcement, as Holland’s ongoing roles as an educator demonstrate a commitment to raising standards and sharing expertise.
