Policing policy in France

by Christine Horton

This report looks at the French system of policing. Its primary aims are three-fold:. To examine how policing policy is made in France. The report seeks to answer the questions 'Where does power lie in the system of policing?' and 'Who controls the police?' Particular attention is given to the question of legitimacy in the French policing system. To identify the similarities and the differences between the French and English systems of policing. The report is mainly concerned with the French police, but comparisons with the police in England and Wales are made when relevant. To draw lessons from the recent experiences with police policy-making in France. Since France has faced many of the same policing problems as England and Wales in recent years for example, the problems of rising crime, increased fear of crime, and the public's demand for more police officers on the beat - the report considers what lessons can be learnt from the way the French police have tackled these problems.