If you live in France or are planning a visit to the Dordogne, you’ll quickly notice that the French police system is quite different from what you might find in the UK, US, or other countries. France has several distinct law-enforcement bodies, each with its own roles, uniforms, and areas of responsibility.
Whether you’re an expat settling into life in the Dordogne, a tourist wanting to understand who to contact in an emergency, or simply curious about how French policing works, this guide will walk you through the different types of police in France and what each force does.
Why France Has Multiple Police Forces
France’s modern policing system dates back to the French Revolution and Napoleonic era, designed to maintain order across both cities and rural areas. Instead of one single national force, France divides responsibilities across several agencies to provide specialised coverage.
The three main police forces you’ll see are:
- Police Nationale
- Gendarmerie Nationale
- Police Municipale
There are also specialised services such as CRS, PJJ, Douanes, and BAC, which play specific roles.
Police Nationale (National Police)
The Police Nationale operates mainly in large towns and cities. They fall under the Ministry of the Interior and are one of France’s primary law-enforcement agencies.
Main Responsibilities
- Everyday policing in urban areas
- Crime investigation
- Public safety and patrols
- Identity checks
- Road traffic control inside cities
- Counter-terrorism and major investigations (through specialised branches)
Where You’ll See Them
You are most likely to see the Police Nationale in:
- Larger cities such as Bordeaux
- Airports and train stations
- Urban police stations (commissariats)
In Dordogne’s smaller towns and villages, you’ll rarely encounter them, as rural policing is handled by the Gendarmerie.
Gendarmerie Nationale
The Gendarmerie is a military force with policing powers, responsible for rural areas, villages, and small towns, making them the most common law-enforcement presence in the Dordogne.
Main Responsibilities
- Policing rural and semi-rural areas
- Road safety and traffic stops
- Criminal investigations outside major cities
- Handling emergencies such as accidents
- Maintaining public order
- Search and rescue operations
- Police checks during events and travel
Why the Gendarmerie Matters in the Dordogne
Because the Dordogne is largely rural, the Gendarmerie will almost always be the force you interact with. They operate local brigades, which are the equivalent of small local police stations.
If you’re an expat or property owner in the Dordogne, you may contact the Gendarmerie for:
- Reporting thefts or break-ins
- Road accidents
- Welfare checks
- Local security issues
Their vehicles are typically navy blue with “GENDARMERIE” written across the side.
Police Municipale (Municipal Police)
The Police Municipale operate at the town or commune level. They are not national officers but local employees of the mairie (town hall).
Main Responsibilities
- Enforcing local bylaws
- Managing parking regulations
- Public safety during events
- Traffic management inside their commune
- Monitoring local markets, festivals, or tourist zones
Where You’ll See Them in Dordogne
You may spot them in:
- Larger villages or towns such as Périgueux, Bergerac, Sarlat
- Tourist hotspots, especially during high season
- Public parks, markets, and community events
They typically wear dark blue uniforms with light blue stripes.
CRS (Compagnies Républicaines de Sécurité)
The CRS are a branch of the Police Nationale specialising in crowd control and public order.
Their Key Roles
- Riot control
- Demonstration management
- High-profile security operations
- Coastal rescue missions
You’ll usually only see CRS during major events or protests in larger cities.
Douanes (Customs Police)
Customs officers handle:
- Border control
- Anti-smuggling operations
- Tax and goods inspections
- Currency and trafficking investigations
They work in airports, ports, and on major transport routes.
BAC (Brigade Anti-Criminalité)
A more discreet unit, the BAC deals with:
- Serious organised crime
- Surveillance
- Undercover operations
- Rapid response in emergency situations
They usually operate in unmarked vehicles and plain clothes.
Who Should You Call in an Emergency?
France uses the following emergency numbers:
- 112 – Europe-wide emergency number. Most likely to get someone you can speak to in English (works from mobiles)
- 17 – Police
- 15 – Medical emergencies (SAMU)
- 18 – Fire brigade (Pompiers)
- 114 – Emergency SMS service for those who cannot speak or hear
For most emergencies in the Dordogne, the Gendarmerie or Pompiers are the first responders.
Policing in Dordogne: What Locals and Visitors Should Know
Because the Dordogne is rural and peaceful, police presence is usually friendly, community-focused, and low-key. The Gendarmerie regularly patrol the countryside, check on isolated properties, and respond quickly to road incidents.
Helpful Tips for Expats and Visitors
- Always carry ID—police can legally request identity checks.
- Traffic rules are strictly enforced, especially speed limits.
- Police officers in France are generally approachable and helpful.
- English is spoken more frequently in tourist areas, but not always, basic French phrases help.
France’s policing system may seem complex at first, but each force plays a clear role. If you live in or are visiting the Dordogne, the Gendarmerie Nationale will be your main point of contact, supported by local municipal police and national services when needed.
Understanding who does what makes life in France feel safer, smoother, and more familiar, especially for expats adapting to a new country.
