National Gendarmerie

The gendarmerie is a national paramilitary police force in France. She was since its founding part of the French armed forces, and therefore in contrast to the rest of the French police forces under the Ministry of Defence. But since 1 January 2009, she is also simultaneously under the Ministry of Interior.

The gendarmerie takes over police duties in rural areas, while the national Police is responsible for the cities. Both wax body are independent. A similar organization of the security services can be found for example in Spain ( Guardia Civil) and Italy ( Carabinieri ).

Building on the tradition of maréchaussée of the Ancien Régime, it is created during the French Revolution by the Act of February 16, 1791 National Gendarmerie today from 104 275 officials, of which 102 322 military officers ( as at 10 March 2005). Its director general, is assumed as a civilian public servant the Ministry of Defence. For local non- military operations, it is subject to the prefect, she takes the other hand, judicial duties, she follows the orders of the public prosecutor or of a competent investigating judge. The Gendarmerie is divided currently in about 3,600 brigades, which is almost a brigade per canton.

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