Le 30 August 2024

National Police School: A rigorous and diverse training path

Police training in France is provided by a network of specialized institutions, each dedicated to a specific category of personnel. These schools are essential to ensure the competence and professionalism of law enforcement.

Summary:

The different training structures

The National Police Schools (ENP)

The National Police Schools mainly welcome trainee police officers. The main ENPs are located in Draveil, Reims, Roubaix, and Périgueux. The training of police officers is particularly rigorous and lasts about 12 months. It includes:

Theoretical courses: Students receive in-depth training in criminal law and procedure, as well as intervention techniques.
Physical preparation: Physical training is intensive, including combat sports, shooting, and mastery of defense techniques.
Practical internships: Internship periods in police stations allow future police officers to familiarize themselves with the realities of the field, giving them the opportunity to put their theoretical and physical knowledge into practice.

The National Higher School of Police (ENSP)

The ENSP, with its campuses in Saint-Cyr-au-Mont-d'Or and Cannes-Écluse, trains police commissioners. This police school offers a 24-month curriculum that is divided into three main phases:

Academic training: Students follow intensive courses in law, management, and human sciences. This includes modules on human resource management, administrative law, and public security policies.
Operational internships: Future commissioners undertake internships in various police services to gain practical experience in operations management.
Specialization: Commissioners can specialize in areas such as judicial police, intelligence, or crisis management.

National Police Training Center (CFPN)

The CFPNs are dedicated to continuous training for police officers. They offer specialization and improvement programs to keep officers' skills up to date. Among the training courses offered are:

Cybercrime: Training on techniques to combat online crime.
Crisis management: Courses on managing and coordinating interventions in crisis situations.
Forensic science: Training in modern investigation methods and evidence analysis.

The National School for Police Officers (ENSOP)

ENSOP, located in Cannes-Écluse, trains police officers who occupy intermediate positions between police officers and commissioners. The training lasts 18 months and includes:

Theoretical courses: Teachings in law, management, and administration.
Practical training: Exercises in team management and complex situations.
Internships: Internships in operational environments for full immersion in the profession.

Career paths and entry conditions

The different training paths in police schools are accessible through selective competitive exams, each with its own prerequisites:

Security assistants (ADS): Recruited without diploma requirements, ADS undergo initial training of 14 weeks, mainly practical.
Police officers: Requiring a high school diploma or equivalent, candidates pass a competitive exam and undergo 12 months of training at an ENP.
Police officers: Requiring a bachelor's degree, candidates undergo 18 months of training at ENSOP after a highly selective competitive exam.
Police commissioners: Requiring a master's degree, the competitive exam is among the most competitive, and training lasts 24 months at ENSP.

Training challenges and objectives

Police training aims to prepare them for a multitude of missions: securing public spaces, investigation, maintaining order, and crisis management. Police trainees must acquire not only technical and physical skills but also develop a keen sense of ethics and public service. The training emphasizes:

Legal competence: In-depth knowledge of laws and procedures.
Physical capacity: Training to ensure their effectiveness in physically stressful situations.
Ethics and deontology: Training on ethical principles and professional obligations.

Specializations and continuous training

In addition to basic training, police officers can specialize in various fields through continuous training offered by the CFPNs:

Research and Intervention Brigade (BRI): Training for high-risk interventions, such as hostage situations (by selection).
Anti-Crime Brigade (BAC): Training focused on combating urban delinquency.
Air and Border Police (PAF): Specific training for border surveillance and combating illegal immigration.

Competitive exam process and selections

The competitive exams to access the various training programs are demanding and generally consist of several tests:

Written tests: General knowledge test, law, and general culture.
Physical tests: Physical aptitude test to evaluate candidates' fitness and endurance.
Oral interview: Assessment of candidates' motivations, personality, and interpersonal skills.
Medical checks: Monitoring of general health and physical condition.

Candidates must demonstrate not only academic and physical skills but also essential human and ethical qualities for the police profession.

Conclusion

The national police schools in France play a crucial role in preparing law enforcement. They ensure that every police officer, whether a security assistant, police officer, senior officer, or commissioner, possesses the necessary skills to ensure the safety and well-being of citizens. The diversity and rigor of the training ensure a competent and dedicated police force, contributing to success in competitive exams and professional excellence.

Back