The Public Security Act has been published today in the Official Journal. According to Bruno LE ROUX, Minister for the Interior, “ This law is a response to the challenges faced by our law enforcement agencies on a daily basis, in a context where the Violence against them has now reached a level that no one can dispute ". As the second pillar of the Public Safety Plan launched on 26 October last year, this law is, for the most part, effective immediately.
Just four months after it was announced, the Act reflects the Government’s determination to adapt our public security framework by strengthening the protection of the security forces and ensuring they work in tandem. Adopted by a large majority across party lines, the Public Security Act:
- Modernise, standardise and clarify the framework governing the use of weapons : the creation of a legal framework governing the use of weapons, applicable to police officers, gendarmes, as well as customs officers and military personnel, particularly those deployed as part of Operation ‘Sentinelle’;
- increases the penalties for certain offences against public authority ;
- protects the identities of police officers and gendarmes : subject to authorisation, identification by service number in criminal proceedings where there is a risk to police officers and gendarmes or their families;
- strengthens the synergy between security stakeholders : extending the powers of municipal police forces; ensuring a more properly regulated expansion of private security activities;
- amends and finalises legislation relating to the fight against terrorism : gathering and sharing information; monitoring individuals who may be linked to terrorist activities.
This well-balanced law strengthens our common security framework, which is now essential for ensuring a high level of protection in the face of changing crime patterns and against the backdrop of a high terrorist threat.