GENDARMERIE NATIONALE Meaning and
Definition
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Gendarmerie nationale refers to the national police force in France, responsible for maintaining public order, ensuring public safety, and enforcing the law throughout the country. It is a military organization operating under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of the Interior, differentiating it from the civilian police force, known as “Police Nationale.” The term "gendarmerie" is derived from the French word "gendarme," meaning "armed man" or "mounted soldier."
The gendarmerie nationale is primarily tasked with policing rural areas, small towns, and certain suburban regions, where they often have jurisdiction over a larger area compared to the police. They have broad powers, including the ability to intervene in criminal investigations, respond to emergencies, and conduct traffic control and enforcement. In addition to their law enforcement duties, gendarmes may also be called upon to provide security for important government officials and institutions.
Established in its current form in 1955, the gendarmerie nationale is composed of roughly 100,000 personnel, including both gendarmes and civilian employees. Gendarmes are given specialized training in both law enforcement and military techniques. They operate from local gendarmerie stations and can be deployed to various regions within France as needed. The gendarmerie nationale also maintains specialized units such as the mobile gendarmerie, which is responsible for riot control and crowd management, and the maritime gendarmerie, tasked with patrolling France's coastal areas and inland waterways.
Overall, the gendarmerie nationale plays a crucial role in maintaining public order, ensuring the safety of citizens, and upholding the law in France.
Etymology of GENDARMERIE NATIONALE
The word "gendarmerie" originated from the Old French term "gens d'armes", which translates to "men-at-arms" or "armed men". The word "gens" means people or men, and "armes" refers to weapons. Over time, "gens d'armes" evolved into "gendarmes" and came to represent a specific type of military force responsible for maintaining law and order within a country.
The term "nationale" in "gendarmerie nationale" refers to the national or state level. It signifies that the gendarmerie is a national police force, often associated with maintaining public order, preventing and investigating crimes, and supporting civilian authorities across the entire country.
