The Republican Security Companies

The CRS (Republican Security Companies) are part of a specialized corps of the National Police. These are mobile units that ensure general security and participate in maintaining or restoring public order. They were created on December 8, 1944 by General De Gaulle following the dissolution of the Mobile Reserve Groups, which had been established under the Vichy regime.

In 1947, the torch emblem, commonly called the CRS flame, was painted by François d'Albignac. It still constitutes today the symbol of the CRS corps. It is the embodiment of God's light, the promise of eternal life, but also of remembrance. The flame is encircled by oak and laurel leaves that represent strength and command.

The CRS have as their motto "To Serve". As a general reserve of the National Police, they must also meet an obligation of availability and mobility.

Summary:

• Missions
• Training

Their area of intervention is focused on maintaining or restoring public order and general security, but they take part in many other police missions such as:

- Road safety missions: the CRS are often deployed along various road networks in their sector to ensure compliance with traffic laws.

- Major highway police missions: the CRS ensure highway surveillance, particularly free highways that allow motorists to bypass major metropolitan areas.

- Sea rescue missions: they ensure compliance with safety instructions and provide assistance to people.

- Mountain rescue missions: the CRS ensure high-altitude rescue operations with the high mountain gendarmes. A relay system is often established between these two security services.

- Protection missions for people and property: during social, sporting or cultural events, the CRS ensure order maintenance and its restoration if necessary. They thus ensure the security of property and people.

- Counter-terrorism missions: the CRS take part in the fight against terrorism and in intelligence.

- Rescue missions for people: during serious events, such as terrorist acts, natural disasters or large-scale killings, the CRS intervene to rescue victims and secure locations.

- Education and prevention missions: road safety awareness campaigns. Some CRS also visit recreational centers to prevent and fight against delinquency.

- Security missions: fighting crime and urban violence. They intervene with the DCSP (Central Directorate of Public Security) and take part in objectives set by the State.

- Surveillance missions of communication routes with foreign countries: ensures surveillance of ports, airports, as well as borders in collaboration with the DCPAF (Central Directorate of Border Police).

- Escort and protection missions: they ensure the security of the highest state officials and provide security for official residences, as well as embassies abroad.

Unlike mobile gendarmes, the CRS do not live in barracks. During long deployments, they must nevertheless cohabitate in quarters. For the CRS to be operational during these special operations, logistical and administrative services accompany them.

To join a CRS, you must be part of the National Police. There are two competitive exams, one for peace officer and one for police officer:

- The Peace Officer Exam is accessible to candidates aged 17 to 35 with high school diploma level or equivalent. It is divided into three phases, an eligibility phase, a pre-admission phase and an admission phase. These include written, oral, physical tests, and psychological profile evaluations as well as motivation interviews for each candidate. Candidates who pass the exam are integrated into a National Police Academy. The training lasts 12 months and three weeks are dedicated to the CRS profession. 

- The Police Officer Exam is open to candidates aged 17 to 35 with Bachelor's degree level or equivalent. It has the same phases as the Peace Officer exam. Successful candidates are then trained for 18 months at the National Police Academy. The training alternates between police school internships and active service. After six months, each candidate is appointed as a trainee police lieutenant for one year.

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