Paris is a beautiful city that attracts millions of visitors every year. However, like any other major city, Paris has its share of law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety and security of its citizens and tourists. In this article, we will discuss what the police are called in Paris.
French Police System
The French police system is divided into two main branches: The National Police and The Gendarmerie Nationale. The National Police is responsible for urban areas and major cities while the Gendarmerie Nationale takes charge of rural areas and smaller towns.
The National Police
The National Police in France is known as “Police Nationale.” It is responsible for maintaining law and order in urban areas and major cities across the country. The police officers are recognizable by their navy blue uniforms with a badge on their chest that reads “Police.”
The Police Nationale has several specialized units such as the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) responsible for investigating serious crimes like murder, robbery, and fraud. Another unit is the Anti-Crime Brigade (BAC) which deals with street-level crime such as drug trafficking.
The Gendarmerie Nationale
The Gendarmerie Nationale in France is responsible for maintaining law and order in rural areas and smaller towns across the country. They are also responsible for policing highways and other transportation systems.
Gendarmerie officers wear a distinctive dark-blue uniform with red trimmings. They also have a badge that reads “Gendarmerie” on their chest.
Other Law Enforcement Agencies in Paris
Apart from the National Police and Gendarmerie Nationale, there are several other law enforcement agencies operating in Paris.
Municipal Police
The Municipal Police or “Police Municipale” are responsible for maintaining law and order within their district or municipality. They have the power to issue fines and enforce local by-laws.
The Municipal Police in Paris has a light-blue uniform with a badge that reads “Police Municipale” on their chest.
French Customs Police
The French Customs Police or “Douanes” are responsible for enforcing customs regulations and preventing illegal trade across borders. They also work with other law enforcement agencies to prevent drug trafficking and other forms of organized crime.
Customs officers wear a distinctive dark-green uniform with a badge that reads “Douanes” on their chest.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Paris has several law enforcement agencies responsible for maintaining law and order within the city. The National Police and Gendarmerie Nationale are the two main branches of law enforcement in France, while the Municipal Police and French Customs Police specialize in specific areas. It is important to note that these agencies work together to keep Paris safe for its citizens and tourists alike.