Municipal police role in demonstrations

Municipal police officers in Toulouse are being deployed near student demonstrations, but they are not authorized to directly confront or disperse the crowds. Their role is more about monitoring and providing support rather than enforcing order.

Authority for maintaining order

Maintaining public order during demonstrations is the responsibility of the national police and the gendarmerie, not the municipal police. Deputy Mayor Émilion Esnault explains that municipal officers lack the legal authority to use force to disperse crowds.

Protective presence and reconnaissance

Municipal police officers help by being present near schools and other buildings that might be targeted. They also conduct reconnaissance to identify any potential dangers, such as projectiles hidden in public spaces, before demonstrations begin.

Case of Cuvier kindergarten

During a demonstration, several young people attempted to enter the Cuvier kindergarten. The municipal police were the first to respond, creating a barrier to protect the building before national police arrived and used force to control the situation.

Arrest of a person with dangerous items

In another instance, municipal police officers arrested someone carrying mortars and Bengal lights, which are pyrotechnic devices. Shortly after, the national police faced similar attacks from other demonstrators, highlighting the risks involved.

Support through surveillance

The city supports national police efforts by seconding video surveillance operators to assist in real-time monitoring during demonstrations. This helps national forces track events and respond more effectively.

Limitations on dispersing crowds

Municipal police officers cannot legally disperse a demonstration, even if it becomes too large. The use of force to break up a crowd is reserved for the national police and gendarmerie, unless there is an individual offense.

Mayor’s stance on police powers

Mayor Jean-Luc Moudenc supports expanding the powers of municipal police in certain areas, such as allowing specially trained officers to observe and fine specific offenses like drug use or street selling, but not for maintaining order during demonstrations.

Avoiding conflict with local population

Esnault emphasizes that it would be inappropriate for the municipal police, who are under the mayor’s authority, to use force against the local population during demonstrations. Maintaining order during such events is considered a state responsibility, not a local one.