FRA9 FILE · Justice & rights
Police, gendarmerie and public safety
Who responds, which numbers to call and how reporting works.
Police nationaleGendarmerie17112
Who responds, which numbers to call and how reporting works.
01Police nationale02Gendarmerie0317
Police or gendarmerie?
National police mainly cover urban areas; the gendarmerie covers much of rural and peri-urban France. Their powers overlap and services redirect victims when needed.
Key points✦ Police nationale✦ Gendarmerie✦ 17✦ 112
Emergency and reporting
17 reaches police and gendarmerie; 112 is the European emergency number. A complaint can be filed at a police station or gendarmerie brigade regardless of the exact location of the incident.
For visitors
Keep a separate passport copy, block stolen cards and phones quickly, request a police report receipt and contact your insurer. In immediate danger, do not pursue the offender; call emergency services.
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