Summary
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What is the job of a police officer?
Protect people and property
The police officer is responsible for ensuring the safety of people and property. In direct contact with the population, he carries out control and surveillance missions: traffic regulation, patrol, supervision of demonstrations, flagrante delicto… The peacekeepers, who represent the largest part of the workforce, are still working under the authority of an officer.
Multiple services and specialties
The functions of the police officer vary according to the service to which he is assigned.
At the judicial police, the peacekeeper participates in investigations. He makes arrests and interviews suspects.
Members of the Republican Security Company (CRS), for their part, intervene during major demonstrations. During school holidays, they are present to monitor the roads and beaches.
Finally, a police officer can specialize to become a dog handler, biker or mountain rescuer.
How much does a peacekeeper earn?
The profession of peacekeeper is a category B State civil service profession. At the start of a career, the net salary is just over €1,700 per month. At his last rank, the peacekeeper receives around €2,700 net.
What are his working conditions?
Land and office
The policeman is often on the ground. He patrols within a team on foot or by car.
He also manages a number of administrative tasks from the police station.
Variable schedule
The peacekeeper does not know the office hours. He can work both day and night, weekdays and weekends. In compensation, he can receive a bonus or benefit from recuperation days.
Sometimes difficult job
Assaults, offences, thefts, the police officer is often confronted with risky situations.
In addition, contact with the population is sometimes difficult to manage, the police not always being well received.
How to become a policeman?
Pass the entrance exam
Admission to the police academy is subject to an entrance examination. Several conditions are required to be able to present:
- be of French nationality;
- be between 17 and 35 years old;
- hold a baccalaureate;
- be at least 1.60m tall, with the exception of former police inspectors and investigators
- be medically fit for active duty day and night;
- have good visual acuity;
- be fit to carry and use weapons;
- have a clean criminal record;
- be registered and have completed the defense and citizenship day or be in good standing with national service legislation.
Integrate the police academy
Once admitted, the student follows a 1-year training course which alternates courses and internships in the field. His schooling completed, he was appointed trainee peacekeeper and agreed to remain in the service of the State for 4 years.
Note: the future peacekeeper is paid during his training.
What qualities are needed to be a police officer?
Integrity and Courage
Representative of the law, the police officer is responsible for enforcing it. In other words, integrity and moral righteousness are essential.
He must also show a certain courage to be sure in the face of a risky situation. However, he is never alone during his interventions. He must therefore know how to work within a team.
physical and mental
This job requires good physical condition. The police officer must be capable, for example, of physically intervening during an altercation or pursuing a suspect.
A strong mind is necessary to face the situations of violence and distress with which it is sometimes confronted. The peacekeeper must keep his cool under all circumstances.
Note: after a few years of experience, the peacekeeper can progress to the ranks of brigadier, brigadier-chief and brigadier-major. It is also possible to present the internal competition of police lieutenant after 4 years of service.
Learn more about being a police officer
Peacekeeper profession and competition.
We also invite you to read the portrait of a police officer on the Rue89.com site.
Content updated on 07/09/2012