This large city in Occitanie is strengthening its police force, one of the largest in France

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It is one of the most important municipal police forces in France, in number of agents. The sixthto be exact. In Occitania, only the city of Toulouse (5^e) does better than Nîmes (Gard) at this level. Perpignan (Pyrénées-Orientales) ranks 8^e national position. If we look at the number of police officers per 1,000 inhabitants (1.27/1000), the Gard prefecture even rises to the 4^e rang nationalaccording to the Ministry of the Interior.

These figures could change very quickly following recent announcements of Jean-Paul FournierMayor of Nîmes. The councilor has just promised a significant increase in municipal police numbers for the next two years.

31 new municipal police officers within two years

By 2026, Nîmes will have 200 municipal agents (+ 18.34%), compared to 169 at present. 3 million euros will be invested over this period to carry out this new measure.

Since 2001, security has always been at the heart of my commitment to our city. Unprecedented budgetary efforts have been made to strengthen the quality of life of the people of Nîmes.

On the sidelines of these announcements, the former senator wanted to reaffirm his intention “to respond to the difficulties of everyday life, to the incivility of a minority which does not respect the rules of common life”.

Several measures have been announced to meet citizens’ expectations “in terms of tranquility”.

A new nuisance control unit

The first important measure will be the creation of a unit to combat nuisance of all kinds, particularly noise pollution. This should make it possible to “ensure the proper application of municipal decrees concerning night establishments and take-away sales”.

In addition to police work, two crews (14 specialized agents) will have the mission of monitoring these missions every night, 7 days a week from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m., with the possibility, for example, of issuing administrative fines for penalize the irregular sale of alcohol.

This unit will aim to punish these offenses, but also to raise awareness and inform the population, individuals and professionals. “We have a clear desire to place more officers on public roads,” insists Richard SchievenDeputy delegate for security.

A stronger environmental protection unit

Another important measure is expected: the strengthening of the environmental protection unit.

Currently composed of sept agents sworn only on waste deposits, it will be reinforced by two teams of eight agents with an oath allowing action on all offenses linked to the environment, dumping of illegal waste, pollution, prevention of forest fires, town planning and illegal construction. This new unit will travel by electric mountain bike, motorcycle and 4X4.

The impacts of illegal dumping on the environment are significant in terms of cost and I am in favor of strong repression from the first offense, especially since the requests from citizens are repetitive and regular.

A greater presence

In the next two years, the municipal police of Nîmes will experience a significant reorganization “to enable better management and efficient deployment of this increased workforce”.

This should in particular make it possible to establish a greater presence of crews on public roads, “during the day and on Saturdays to support the numerous demonstrations and events of the festive life in Nîmes ».

“Ultimately, and for ever greater efficiency and responsiveness, the urban hyper vision center, a technical platform located on the Bompart site, will accommodate all of the staff at 150 rue Landi,” concludes the City .

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