FRA9 FILE · Justice & rights
Police, gendarmerie and public safety
Who responds, which numbers to call and how reporting works.
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key points: Police nationale · Gendarmerie · 17 · 112
Police or gendarmerie: geography changes, access to help does not
The national police mainly operate in urban areas; the national gendarmerie covers much of rural and peri-urban France and major roads. Their criminal-investigation powers overlap. A victim may file a complaint at a police station or gendarmerie brigade even away from the place of the incident; the service must record it and transfer it where necessary.
Which number to call
Call 17 for an urgent police or gendarmerie response; 112 is the European emergency number. Use 15 for medical emergencies, 18 for firefighters and 114 to contact emergency services in writing or video, notably for deaf, hard-of-hearing, deafblind or aphasic users. Give the exact address, nature of the danger and number of people involved.
Complaint, police log and report
A complaint requests investigation of an offence against you. A main courante records events without automatically opening an investigation; a report supplies information to the competent service. The correct route depends on the facts and desired outcome. Request a complaint receipt and, where available, a copy; record witness details without publishing them or creating further risk.
Online processes: choose the correct official service
Online complaints, THESEE for certain online scams, Perceval for fraudulent use of a card still held and PHAROS for certain illegal online content serve different cases. Use the official Ma Sécurité assistant instead of a random form. Violence, a current threat or a suspect still present should never be delayed by an online procedure: call 17 or 112.
Preserve evidence without taking risks
Save messages, URLs, full email headers, statements, photographs, serial numbers and a chronology. Avoid altering the device or account more than necessary before securing access; block compromised cards, phones and credentials. Do not confront an offender to capture an image. Screenshots help, but original data and a professional record may be required later.
Identity checks and police custody
During a check, remain calm and ask the reason when circumstances allow. In custody, a person must be told about the measure and relevant rights, including notification of another person, medical examination, a lawyer and an interpreter under legal conditions. Timelines and exceptions are technical: request the right promptly and obtain individual legal assistance where needed.
Foreign visitor: stolen documents
After a theft, secure accounts and payment methods, file a complaint and contact your consulate for the appropriate travel document. Keep separate copies of passport, visa, insurance and bookings. A police receipt is not automatically a travel or residence document. Notify the insurer, carrier and accommodation provider where their procedures require it.
A reliable verification chain
Ma Sécurité routes users to police stations, brigades, official chat and online services. Service-Public.fr explains procedures and local contacts; Justice.fr covers victim rights and the judicial follow-up. For emergencies, rely on national numbers and responder instructions. Avoid paid intermediaries that imitate public services or promise to erase a complaint or official record.
Frequently asked questions
Which number is used in an emergency?
Call 17 for police or gendarmerie and 112 as the European number; 114 provides adapted written or video access.
Can I complain away from the incident location?
Yes. A police station or brigade must record the complaint and transfer it if necessary.
Is a main courante a complaint?
No. It records facts without automatically requesting prosecution.
When should PHAROS be used?
To report certain illegal online content or conduct, not an emergency in progress.
Does the receipt replace a stolen passport?
No. Contact the consulate for the appropriate travel document.
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