Who's chasing the thief? Gendarme or policeman

During a discussion, my young son solemnly announced that he wanted to make a career "in the Geneva police by becoming a gendarme to fight crime". I pointed out to him that the gendarmerie was not part of the police force, but he insisted otherwise. I did a bit of research and now I don't understand what the difference is between a gendarme and a policeman!
Michel, Geneva
Your son is right: the gendarmerie is part of the cantonal police force. In fact, according to article 6 of the Geneva Police Act (LPol), the term "gendarme" refers to a subdivision of the cantonal police. Unlike in France, where gendarmes are part of a separate military force, Swiss gendarmes and police officers are all part of the cantonal police force, but they occupy specific roles within that institution.
The role of the Geneva Gendarmerie is more focused on field operations and preventive and repressive security missions. It carries out patrols and road checks, responds to traffic accidents and provides surveillance at major demonstrations and public events, and is often the first force to intervene in the event of public order disturbances. The gendarmerie is organised into four operational units: the roadside unit, the emergency rescue unit, the community unit and the diplomatic unit (art. 9 LPol).
The term "policeman" is broader and encompasses all officers, including gendarmes. However, in everyday language, police officer often refers to members of the judicial police or community police provided for in the former art. 15 LPol, repealed since 1ᵉʳ June 2023.
The judicial police are more involved in investigative tasks. Their main task is to solve crimes, collect evidence and make arrests as part of these investigations. They deal with complex cases. It is therefore essential to understand that gendarmes and police officers work within the same organisation, but that their missions are different and complementary.
Gendarmes are often at the forefront of ensuring security on the ground, while police officers, particularly inspectors, focus more on the judicial aspects and in-depth investigations. Gendarmes carry out their duties in dark blue or navy uniforms. They must wear the Geneva police crest, rank and identification badge. Other police officers may work in civilian clothes, depending on the nature of their duties.
In short, the distinction between them lies more in the specialities of each function than in their status within the police force.
Both the gendarmes and the police have a common objective: to ensure public safety and uphold the law.