There are two main types of police in France – the Police Nationale and the Gendarmerie Nationale. The former deals with all crime, parking and traffic affairs within large and mid-sized towns, where you'll find them in the Commissariat de Police. The Gendarmerie Nationale covers everywhere else.The CRS (Compagnies Républicaines de Sécurité) are part of the Police Nationale and are a mobile force of paramilitary heavies, used to guard sensitive embassies, "control" demonstrations, provide additional security at airports and so forth. Armed with guns, CS gas and truncheons, they have earned a reputation for brutality over the years. You can not only be stopped anywhere in France and asked to produce ID, but under new crime-prevention measures, the police also have powers to search you and your car without a warrant. If it happens to you, it's not worth being difficult. Lastly, in the Alps or Pyrenees, you may come across specialized mountaineering sections of the police force. These are unfailingly helpful, friendly and approachable, providing rescue services and guidance.
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