NCJ Number
81896
Journal
Police Nationale Issue: 115 Dated: (February 1981) Pages: 2-10
Date Published
1981
Length
9 pages
Annotation
The history and responsibilities of special police units created to protect the security of the French state and its citizens in the air and at borders are discussed.
Abstract
The French Air and Border Police have been recognized as an autonomous department directly responsible to the Director General of the National Police since 1973. The importance of the special department has grown with the volume of air and border traffic. The air police are responsible for enforcing laws regulating air traffic, for controlling traffic bound for points abroad, for researching information on aviation activities, and for investigating air disasters. The activities of the border police become especially important for cases involving traffic problems at borders, international offenses, drug traffic, drug smuggling, and protection of travelling dignitaries. Airport security has proven one of the most difficult areas of border and air police activities. Passive measures taken to assure security include special locks, intercom systems, special sound surveillance systems, and limitation of public access to certain areas. Passive means of control are stationary guards in sensitive areas, motorized or foot patrols, baggage and passenger checks for international traffic, and centralized centers for coordination of information in emergencies. Border checks remain one of the principal activities of the special police. In the course of accomplishing these functions, police must check travel documents, monitor immigration and watch for possible terrorists, and conduct research on information relevant to activities of the special police. The importance of maintaining a high level of technical expertise and well trained staff is stressed. Diagrams and illustrations are supplied.