Job profile: Traffic Warden (ASVP)

When we think of public safety actors, police and gendarmes are the first that come to mind. However, there is another group of essential professionals : the Public Road Surveillance Agents (ASVP). In this article, we will explore in detail the ASVP profession by addressing different aspects : their uniform, their daily life, the competition, training, career development prospects or even their salary.

Summary:

• Uniform and equipment

• The daily life of the Public Road Surveillance Agent

  • Missions

  • Working conditions

• How to become an ASVP?

  • Access conditions and selection tests

  • Training

• Career development prospects

• Salary

The ASVP is distinguished by their specific uniform which cannot be confused with that of a municipal police officer. On duty, the agent wears navy blue pants, a polo shirt with short or long sleeves, a softshell jacket, a cap or a beanie and black intervention shoes. The uniform is designed to be both functional and easily identifiable by the general public thanks to the specific "A.S.V.P" marking. They must also carry their professional card which indicates their municipality of attachment.

The basic equipment of the ASVP generally includes a walkie-talkie, a report book or an Electronic Official Report (PVE) device and a whistle. ASVPs may also be equipped with bulletproof vests or handcuffs depending on circumstances and needs related to their mission. However, they are not armed.

The missions of the ASVP are varied and mainly aim to ensure citizen safety in public spaces. Among these missions, we notably find :

• Ensure compliance with parking rules on public roads or in station courtyards: lack of insurance, failure to pay, obstructive, abusive or prohibited parking, etc.

• Ensure the protection of users at pedestrian crossings.

• Search for and report incivilities and violations of the Urban Planning Code: graffiti, garbage dumping, cigarette butt throwing, urination, neighborhood disturbances...

• Report accidents to competent authorities (SAMU, firefighters...) and provide assistance to people.

• Inform and raise awareness among citizens.

Just like municipal police officers, their simple deterrent presence contributes to maintaining order in cities and municipalities.

What is the difference between an ASVP and a municipal police officer?

Unlike a municipal police officer, an ASVP cannot :

• Carrying weapons.

• Drive a police vehicle.

• Regulate road traffic.

• Report dangerous stopping or parking by official report.

• Proceed with vehicle immobilization.

• Issue tickets to pedestrians who cross the road when their light is red.

The public road surveillance agent can however:

• Ask an individual to state their identity without being able to force them to do so.

• Intervene in case of flagrant crime or offense (which has just been committed or is being committed) to apprehend the perpetrator and hand them over to a judicial police officer.

The working conditions of ASVPs can be demanding. They often work outdoors, in all weather conditions, and must show patience and composure, even in tense situations. Communication and diplomacy are essential skills, as they are in direct contact with the public and may have to deal with hostile behavior. Since they represent the community that employs them, the ASVP must demonstrate irreproachable behavior, a great sense of ethics and public service. An ASVP generally works on days and hours when parking is paid. They are therefore very rarely employed at night or on weekends.

The public road surveillance agent is a municipal agent sworn in and approved by the public prosecutor. Access conditions vary from one municipality to another, but generally, it is required to have at least a high school diploma level. These municipal agents are not recruited through competitive exams. They must respond to a job offer. The required skills usually include mastery of traffic rules, the Highway Code, as well as communication skills.

There are two statuses for practicing this profession :

• Contract agent under private law contract (fixed-term or permanent contract).

• Civil servant (otherwise called permanent ASVP).

Once recruited, the ASVP receives specific training. This training can vary in duration and content depending on the municipality that employs them. It covers legal skills, parking regulations, conflict management, control techniques, and first aid. Agents also learn to use equipment appropriately.

ASVPs can evolve in their career based on their experience and commitment. An A.S.V.P can climb the ranks with their seniority or move to a higher grade by being listed on the promotion table or by passing a professional examination. They can gain responsibilities by becoming a team leader, but their missions remain essentially the same. Regardless of their grade or rank, only their salary changes.

For several years, a bridge has allowed public road surveillance agents with at least two years of seniority to take an internal competition to become a peace officer or join other municipal police services.

The salary of ASVPs varies depending on the municipality that employs them. Generally, the starting salary is between 1,500 and 1,800 euros net per month. With experience and career progression, agents can hope to increase their remuneration. Bonuses related to specific missions can also temporarily increase their salary.

On vetsecurite.com, a real alternative to VETIPOL, find a complete range of clothing and accessories such as bands and badges for public road surveillance agents (ASVP) and municipal police officers.

Other Police specialties:

• Technical and Scientific Police (PTS)

• Police Commissioner

• Motorcycle Police Officer

• Administrative Assistant of the National Police

• Municipal Police Officer

• Police Officer in Drug Enforcement Brigade

• Police Officer in Anti-Crime Brigade (BAC)

• Police Officer in Republican Security Company (CRS)

• Police Officer in Mounted Brigade

• Police Officer