“I am proud of my police”

Is this job a vocation?

Yes. I wanted to work in public service to be as close as possible to my fellow citizens. It was during my year of volunteering in the Gendarmerie that my vocation was confirmed. My military training reinforced this choice. It matched my temperament, my personality and my values. We don't choose this profession by chance.

You went to Afghanistan in 2007. What did you learn from this experience?

I stayed there for more than four months. I commanded a section in transmissions. It was an exciting experience despite a very dangerous context. I had a lot of young people under my command. After three weeks, a comrade from a mountain unit died. All these young people then realized that they were in a country at war from which they might not return. Humanly and professionally, it was very enriching.

How did you become head of the Seine-et-Marne group?

I had asked to order a group in Île-de-France, to best reconcile my professional life and that of my partner. I had been at the General Directorate of the National Gendarmerie (DGGN) for five years and I wanted to assume the responsibilities of group commander in accordance with the classic curriculum for gendarmerie officers. Ordering is an opportunity to promote one's staff and to fully commit to serving my fellow citizens.

What are the main characteristics of this department?

It is very diverse with areas that are extremely remote, very peri-urban, rural and agricultural. More than 70% of the territory is in the gendarmerie zone. The challenges are therefore varied and numerous.

What first assessment do you make?

We have worked a lot on domestic violence and the fight against all forms of trafficking. We have also made a very big effort in terms of road safety. Regarding general delinquency, our elucidation rate is above the national average. Our soldiers are very involved and carry out great investigations. There is a dynamic with young gendarmes who have the desire to serve and take into account all the dimensions of their profession. The Gendarmerie conveys a good image in this department. We have values ​​that carry us through every day.

Road safety figures are not good with an increase in fatal accidents this year…

A lost life is always a tragedy. However, we are increasing preventive actions such as adjusting vehicle lights when winter time changes or adjusting handlebars for motorcyclists. These are awareness checks, that is to say without verbalization. We do the same work for work on highways. The departmental road safety squadron commander is very involved. Over time, we have still made enormous progress.

Are your staff numbers sufficient?

There are never enough of us, it's the same observation for all groups. I would like, for example, to have reinforcements in Nangis (the scene of serious news events in recent months, Editor's note). This is a subject raised by our parliamentarians and to which many people are sensitive. We will have two new mobile brigades in Nemours in 2025 and in Beton-Bazoches in 2027, which will make 48 territorial units in total. The Minister of the Interior (Bruno Retailleau, resigning minister, Editor's note) recently assured us that there would be an increase in staff. This is good news.

How does everyday security translate?

By a significant presence on public roads. My goal is to see gendarmes who go into contact and not cars passing through the communities. I want them to be able to communicate with our fellow citizens so that information can circulate. It is also a way of reassuring the population.

Domestic violence is therefore a priority. What are your tools?

There was an investigation and family protection group (Geprof) in Coulommiers. I have decided to create a second one in Meaux in September and there will be a third at the beginning of January in Melun. These staff are dedicated to this type of litigation and know how to handle victims. This allows these files to be processed as a priority.

At what level is delinquency located?

It is rather stabilized. This year, there were 6,071 property crimes compared to 5,988 in 2023. The most worrying are the thefts of equipment suffered by farmers (84 burglaries from January to November, editor's note). Intentional attacks on physical integrity increased by 13%, but this rate is lower than at the national level.

A word on the fight against drugs?

The “Uber stup” is growing a lot, but we manage to dismantle networks regularly. We carried out 22,359 screenings this year, an increase of 29.54% compared to 2023. The offenses have stabilized.

You declared: “I am not in a role, I know how to make myself understood”. What does this mean?

When you're a boss, you have to be yourself. I try to be a fair leader who decides and listens. We always benefit from being close to those we command. You always work when you have respect for your boss, I am firmly convinced of that. It’s all the magic of being human. A leader carries his gendarmes, but the opposite is also true. It is obedience in friendship.

You know what you want…

I am very attached to military values ​​and I try to give meaning to our action. Our younger generations are demanding more and we must set an example by being by their side in difficult times. Despite an extremely tight schedule, I like to be close to my police officers to understand their difficulties. I want to live up to their expectations.

Does the rivalry with the National Police really exist?

No, I hate unhealthy competition. Between us, it works very well. I have enormous respect for my counterpart, Laurent Mercier. The prefect is given an image of a united gendarmerie and police force. Waging war is impossible and would be unproductive. Otherwise, we forget the very essence of our mission which is to protect our fellow citizens.

How do you judge your career?

I am fully fulfilled, because I wanted to command a group. Managing nearly 1,000 gendarmes and 550 reservists is sometimes complicated, but it is important to maintain proximity. I've probably made mistakes, but that's what helps me become better. I am proud of my police. I often quote Antoine de Saint-Exupéry: “To command your men well, you must love them.” I strive to do this every day.