France’s safety rests on the shoulders of the Police Nationale. Here before us stands a vital part of that force. The Police Nationale is France’s main civil law enforcement agency. It ensures the safety of people and property.
The Police Nationale differs from the Gendarmerie Nationale. The Police Nationale employs civilian functionaries. The Gendarmerie Nationale consists of military personnel. Both forces are essential to France.
The Police Nationale has many sub-directorates. Each one handles specific missions. These missions range from daily patrols to counter-terrorism. In 2015, the Police Nationale employed about 145,200 people. That is a significant commitment to public safety.
What are the missions of the Police Nationale? Their first mission is sécurité des personnes et des biens. This means safety of persons and property. Each French police officer takes this role seriously. The Police Nationale also tackles counter-terrorism. They fight illegal drug trade and handle riot operations. They even conduct search and rescue missions. These missions occur on French beaches and mountains.
The Police Nationale has a clear organization. The main directions are headquartered here in Paris. One key directorate is the Sécurité Publique. It handles all police missions on French territory. Each French department has a departmental office. This includes Corsica and overseas departments. Most officers in this branch wear uniforms. Some units work in civilian clothes. These are the BAC or Brigade Anti-Criminalité.
Another important branch is the Police aux Frontières. This branch fights illegal immigration. The Police aux Frontières or PAF operates in airports. They also work in railway stations and harbors. The PAF secures the Channel Tunnel too.
The Compagnies Républicaines de Sécurité also serve an important function. The CRS is famous as the riot unit. They handle beach and mountain search and rescue. The CRS also fights road crime on French motorways.
The Police Judiciaire handles criminal investigations. The PJ investigates murders rapes and robberies. They also work on counter-terrorism. The PJ manages the scientific police.
The Service de la Protection provides official bodyguards. The SDLP protects heads of state of the French Republic. In 2015, they protected President Hollande and Prime Minister Valls. They also protect foreign ambassadors when in France.
The RAID is the special unit of the Police Nationale. This unit became famous in 1993. It handled a hostage-taking at a school. The RAID is an elite unit with skilled snipers. In 2015, the RAID hunted terrorists. These terrorists attacked Charlie Hebdo. They also murdered a young policewoman. The RAID led an assault on a kosher store. They released all hostages unharmed.
The Police Nationale uses many vehicles. They have cars vans and motorbikes. They also use boats and special vehicles. They do not have helicopters. When needed, they call the Sécurité Civile. The Sécurité Civile uses red and yellow Eurocopter EC145s. Cars of the Police Nationale come from Citroën, Dacia, Ford, Peugeot, and Renault. Motorbikes are BMW and Yamaha.
The Police Nationale stands as a strong force. They protect France and its people. Their dedication and skill keep the country safe. Remember their motto Pro patria vigilant. They are watching for their country.