The French National Police (Police Nationale) is a civil police force in France responsible for maintaining public order and enforcing laws. It operates primarily in urban areas and is under the authority of the Ministry of the Interior. The force is tasked with various duties, including crime prevention, investigation, and traffic control. Established in 1966, the French National Police works alongside the Gendarmerie Nationale, which serves in rural areas and military contexts. The police force is organized into several specialized units, such as the Brigade Anti-Criminalité (BAC) and the Raid, which handle serious crimes and counter-terrorism operations.