NCJ Number
141327
Journal
Cahiers de la Securite Interieure Issue: 11 Dated: (November 1992- January 1993) Pages: 17-24
Date Published
1992
Length
9 pages
Annotation
The constabulary in France is the ancestor of the national gendarmerie. This organization of the past must be studied today to understand how a police force with a military history can today be responsible for civilian law enforcement.
Abstract
It was originally created as a military cavalry by the King in medieval times to patrol the highways and protect travelers from robbers and assassins. But, according to the author, it has not played as major a role in the development of the law enforcement of the modern state as has been suggested by some scholars; it may have the same organization, but not the same spirit. The article traces the historical development of the constabulary and relates it to the modern French gendarmerie in goals and responsibilities. 8 notes and 12 references