A new commune in Yvelines has decided to arm its municipal police

The Glock 17s have arrived. In Orgeval (Yvelines), Austrian brand firearms will soon be used by the six municipal police officers. For the moment, the latter are taking turns in training with the CNFPT (National Center for the Territorial Civil Service).

This desire of Mayor Hervé Charnallet to equip the municipal police had been recorded in the municipal council June 26, 2023following the favorable opinion of the Orgevalais.

60% of Orgevalais in favor

Last year, citizen consultation on this issue ended.

“60% of Orgevalais who participated [600 réponses environ, N.D.L.R.] were favorable or very favorables. It then went to the municipal council, without any opposition.[2 abstentions, N.D.L.R.]», Explains Dominique Breuzin, deputy mayor and former municipal councilor responsible for economic life and responsible for questions concerning the municipal police.

Deterrence and protection

Currently, the police are equipped with telescopic batons and tonfas, some have Tasers (electric stun gun), but not all. The lethal weapon has several advantages.

“It’s a protection for them and a deterrent. In Orgeval now they do night patrols, so that provides protection. Also, you should know that the municipal police are always the first on the scene. In a burglary, you never know who they will encounter and if the person is armed. »

Allow recruiting

This would also be an additional argument for recruiting. 5 years ago, Orgeval only had two police officers municipal.

“The first question we are asked is whether our police are armed. It is difficult to compete with towns, like Poissy, where the municipal police are armed. It’s already difficult to recruit with it, so without…”

The new municipal police premises, next to La Poste, which is due to open in September 2024 should also make it possible to better recruit.

“We are certainly not in a sensitive neighborhood, but we have an increase in violence everywhere. The uniform is no longer scary to no one. The police face violence even for an identity check, a neighborhood problem. »

The elected official also highlights the fact that the municipality is a of the most extensive des Yvelines, with 1530 hectares, larger than Poissy. “The population, with the various real estate developments, will also increase, probably from 7,000 to 8,000 inhabitants”

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